Real driving time SF to LA - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

LaughingGravy · #1 03-27-2007, 10:51 AM

For those of you in the know, what is the real driving time from South San Fran to Thousand Oaks ?
Based on where I need to go, internet says via I-5 at 6 hrs.

Any and all advice to minimize the time of this trip is appreciated.
Flying isn't an option at this point.

AustinsCE · #2 03-27-2007, 11:54 AM

That time sounds about right. If your booking it, from SF to Bakersfield can be as little as like 3, and then still hard on the throttle can get to LA in like 1.5. I dont take the 5 most of the time, I head over the mountains and weird places though, but that probably takes longer. Early morning/late night hardly any cops... Might try the 101, its a straight shot right into thousand oaks.

DeliveryValve · #3 03-27-2007, 12:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AustinsCE

..... Might try the 101, its a straight shot right into thousand oaks.

Six or less hours sounds about right. The 101 is a shorter route, usually the internet maps go the route that is most traveled and flows faster and that is why it stated the 5. But I would go down the 101, it has better scenery.

suginami · #4 03-27-2007, 12:41 PM

Six hours is about right, as long as you only make brief toilet breaks and don't stop for a 30 minute lunch.

Taking the 5 is the fastest route, but taking the 101 is an incredibly beautiful, scenic route.

It will add probably a good hour to your drive, but if you're not pressed for time, it's worth it.

Plus, Thousand Oaks is right off the 101 freeway. If you take the 5, you're going to have to dog leg over, probably on the 126 or the 118.

BENZ-LGB · #5 03-27-2007, 01:08 PM

The time saved by going South on the I5 will be lost when you take the 126 and head West to the 101 then south to the 101 and on to T.O.

If you decide to head South on the I5 don't use the 126 to back track to the coast. Instead, go a little farther South on the I5 and take the 118. Once on the 118 head West until you get to the 23 (you can't miss it since the 118 merges into the 23). The 23 will take you straight to T.O. You will drive past the Ronald Reagan Library--the Library is on a hill overlooking the 23 and it will be to your left as you head South towards T.O.

I don't like the 126. For a while, the stretch between the I5 and Fillmore had so many deadly accidents that it was referred to as Blood Alley. The 126 is still an iffy road, IMO.

If you are not in a hurry take the 101. Stop in Santa Barbara for lunch and enjoy one of the most beautiful stretches of road--between SB and Ventura.

Where are you going to in T.O.? It is a very nice town. Consistently ranked as having the lowest crime rate of any city over 100k population West of the Miss. River.

suginami · #6 03-27-2007, 01:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BENZ-LGB

The time saved by going South on the I5 will be lost when you take the 126 and head West to the 101 then south to the 101 and on to T.O.

If you decide to head South on the I5 don't use the 126 to back track to the coast. Instead, go a little farther South on the I5 and take the 118. Once on the 118 head West until you get to the 23 (you can't miss it since the 118 merges into the 23). The 23 will take you straight to T.O. You will drive past the Ronald Reagan Library--the Library is on a hill overlooking the 23 and it will be to your left as you head South towards T.O.

I don't like the 126. For a while, the stretch between the I5 and Fillmore had so many deadly accidents that it was referred to as Blood Alley. The 126 is still an iffy road, IMO.

If you are not in a hurry take the 101. Stop in Santa Barbara for lunch and enjoy one of the most beautiful stretches of road--between SB and Ventura.

Where are you going to in T.O.? It is a very nice town. Consistently ranked as having the lowest crime rate of any city over 100k population West of the Miss. River.

Another recommendation to take the 101.

And I second the emotion of the stretch between Santa Barbara and Ventura. Certainly one of the top 5 scenic drives in the U.S.

I also believe Rancho Cucamonga shares the distinction of being the safest city in the U.S. among cities with 100,000 populations.

BENZ-LGB · #7 03-27-2007, 01:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by suginami

Another recommendation to take the 101.

And I second the emotion of the stretch between Santa Barbara and Ventura.

That stretch is just gorgeous. Driving from SB to Ventura, at certain times during the afternoon, the ocean just shimmers. It is one of the prettiest sights around.

I fully understand why the people who died in the landslide at La Conchita chose to live in that particular spot, right under the shadow of potential landslides.

Simi Valley and T.O. usually run neck and neck for the #1 and #2 spots. RC is another place that I would chose to live for its relative safety.

LaughingGravy · #8 03-27-2007, 03:36 PM

Excellent responses, and I was simply looking for a time estimate. Whoo hoo!
I'm in the planning stage of hopefully doing a business trip to both locations next week. It sounds like I could convince possible passengers to leave a bit earlier for the nicer 101 scenic view, especially since I don't think either has ever been to CA.
As a follow up question, where would the most traffic be, both routes, or does it usually move along, barring anything unusual.
I've heard many a Tonight Show joke over the years about California traffic.

BENZ-LGB · #9 03-27-2007, 03:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LaughingGravy

Excellent responses, and I was simply looking for a time estimate. Whoo hoo!
I'm in the planning stage of hopefully doing a business trip to both locations next week. It sounds like I could convince possible passengers to leave a bit earlier for the nicer 101 scenic view, especially since I don't think either has ever been to CA.
As a follow up question, where would the most traffic be, both routes, or does it usually move along, barring anything unusual.
I've heard many a Tonight Show joke over the years about California traffic.

If you get caught in afternoon rush hour traffic from Santa Barbara through Ventura you may want to get out of the freeway, park facing the ocean and enjoy the view.

If you get to Ventura by 5:00 p.m., you should make it to T.O. under 45 minutes.

Best bet is to leave early...have lunch in Santa Maria (there is a great rib/BBQ place there, but I forget the name) and make it to T.O. before rush hour and in time for a nice early dinner.

Santa Maria Info

Enjoy the trip.