L.A. traffic - just how bad is it?

[meangreen]

I'm curious about getting around the L.A. area. I live in the DFW area, so I'm used to a lot of traffic, but is it exponentially worse in L.A.? Around here, no matter how bad the traffic is, is never takes longer than double the number of minutes to miles. In other words, unless there's a major accident or something, you'll never be worse off than, say, making 15 miles in 30 minutes, even at rush hour.

So, how does that compare to L.A. I mean, is it gonna take me 2.5 hours to get from the Santa Ana airport to Santa Monica (52 miles)? Is it going to take an hour to get from Santa Monica to Hollywood (13 miles)? Obviously, day of week and time of day are factors, but, in general, what am I looking at?

[hlbtimes2]

I've had a rental car the last two trips. I have not ventured out as far as you are going to. I would guess, that allowing double the minutes / miles would probably be about right for most trips.

The part that bothered me, when driving in the area, is how agressive the drivers are. They are not polite in any way, shape or form. I'm from Seattle. We are nice to other drivers around here.

Oh, and the freeway signs are HORRIBLE. Make sure you know exactly where you are going and what exit numbers you are looking for. The signs will NOT get you where you are going. Going to the airport on Sunday it said I needed to exit left for the 55 freeway. I got all the way over- the exit was not on the left it was on the RIGHT. The next exit I needed to take was for the airport. It said "airport next exit". The exit was right there after the sign, so I took it. They didnt mean that "next exit" they meant the one 2 exits up the freeway. It was crazy.

[ktulu]

I forgot how traffic gets out there. I can give my dad a call, he lives out that way. I wouldn't mind knowing myself :) If you have something specific, PM me and I'll ask about it (he drives trucks, so he knows the high traffic areas well).

I know what you're saying about D/FW traffic! I just wish they'd put some camera's up between 635 and Lewisville so I can see just how bad the traffic is. Although they are going to be opening up more lanes it looks like right at the 121 by-pass any day now. That makes me happy, more traffic backing up at the Lewisville Lake bridge does not.

darren

[meangreen]

I forgot how traffic gets out there. I can give my dad a call, he lives out that way. I wouldn't mind knowing myself :) If you have something specific, PM me and I'll ask about it (he drives trucks, so he knows the high traffic areas well).

I know what you're saying about D/FW traffic! I just wish they'd put some camera's up between 635 and Lewisville so I can see just how bad the traffic is. Although they are going to be opening up more lanes it looks like right at the 121 by-pass any day now. That makes me happy, more traffic backing up at the Lewisville Lake bridge does not.

darren

From Lewisville, huh? I live in Coppell. I travel 121 to work in Frisco/Plano/Legacy area. What a beating.

[ChrisFL]

I've had a rental car the last two trips. I have not ventured out as far as you are going to. I would guess, that allowing double the minutes / miles would probably be about right for most trips.

The part that bothered me, when driving in the area, is how agressive the drivers are. They are not polite in any way, shape or form. I'm from Seattle. We are nice to other drivers around here.

Oh, and the freeway signs are HORRIBLE. Make sure you know exactly where you are going and what exit numbers you are looking for. The signs will NOT get you where you are going. Going to the airport on Sunday it said I needed to exit left for the 55 freeway. I got all the way over- the exit was not on the left it was on the RIGHT. The next exit I needed to take was for the airport. It said "airport next exit". The exit was right there after the sign, so I took it. They didnt mean that "next exit" they meant the one 2 exits up the freeway. It was crazy.

AGREED 100%. I was just there this past weekend, tried to follow the signs to Anaheim and after about 30 mins, nearly had to pay an $8.50 toll to get to Riverside (Which is about 50 miles the WRONG way)...luckily after 2 hours I found my way to my hotel room...but I avoided the freeways after that. The kind of driving was so bad I can't even explain it. At one point I was in one lane with a car directly next to mine and a motorcycle between us!!

[Tink33]

Traffic can be horrible during rush hour traffic. On Good Friday, it took 4+ hours to travel 58 miles from Valencia (North of LA) to Long Beach. In comparison, I was in Burbank on Tuesday. Leaving at 6:40 pm, I made it 101 miles in under 2 hours.

When I use mapquest, I double the estimated time and am happy if it takes less than double.

[momslave]

I can speak from comparison. I travel to Dallas and LA for business! LA is absolutely the worst I can think of anywhere... except maybe some of D.C. LA rush hour starts earlier and lasts much longer than Dallas's. Put on your patience hat, have a full tank of gas, your favorite soft drink, and some good tunes. And your seat belt! :-)

[WatchinCaptKangaroo]

Make friends with Google Maps. Avoid Mapquest like the plague.

It is all dependent on what time you go to how long it will take you. It could take you two hours to go to Santa Monica from Santa Ana if you left at 5pm on a week day. It could take you that long to get between Santa Monica and Hollywood too if there is an accident.

Freeway exits are all on the right. Sometimes the freeways split and it's a fork.

Some driving tips:

The carpool lane can be your friend or your worst enemy depending on traffic.

Stay out of the far right lane where all the new traffic merges into unless you want to go really slow. On that note, CA drivers go well over the speed limit if at all possible. if you want to go the speed limit or slower stay to the right. You will get run over if you are going the speed limit or slower and are in a left lane.

Merge before the quasi-lane ends. If you try and merge after the end it's going to be harder for you. Try and merge with the speed of traffic. If everyone is going 65 and you get on at 30 you're going to have problems.

There are toll roads but they are few and far between. There are none going from Orange County to Santa Monica or Hollywood.

[Magix]

Make friends with Google Maps. Avoid Mapquest like the plague.

Freeway exits are all on the right. Sometimes the freeways split and it's a fork.

Stay out of the far right lane where all the new traffic merges into unless you want to go really slow. On that note, CA drivers go well over the speed limit if at all possible. if you want to go the speed limit or slower stay to the right. You will get run over if you are going the speed limit or slower and are in a left lane.



Not ALL the exits are on the right. I can think of a couple that are on the left, but they're rare and usually aren't streets where tourists want to get off the freeway.

Please, please, please pay attention to what WatchinCaptKangaroo has said about freeway speed. Onramps are designed to give you a chance to get up to freeway speed, before you merge on. Freeways don't slow down for you, you speed up for them! We do drive fast and we do drive agressively. Just stay in the slowest lane, don't try to regulate someone else's speed in the left lanes (meaning, don't get in that lane and refuse to move over, because the guy behind you is speeding and shouldn't be going that fast, anyway) and try to relax. You'll be fine. Make sure you have REAL maps, not just internet instructions. Double-check those web instructions against a paper map, so you'll know if things look right.

Travel times are usually okay, unless you're out during morning or evening rush hour. Weekends are usually great, except for some Saturday evening rush hour backup on certain freeways, but it's still not as bad as weekdays.

And, most important, if you realize you're in the wrong lane for your offramp or freeway interchange, STAY WHERE YOU ARE!! For the love of Pete, don't swerve across lanes to try to get where you need to be!!! Go past it, take the next offramp, cross under the freeway, take the onramp in the opposite direction and make your way from there. I see people swerving for an offramp all the time and it's extremely dangerous (and extremely stupid). Just play it cool.

Really, our freeways aren't so awful. Just take it easy and be smart and everything will work out fine for you. :sunny:

[spazzyjazzy]

Is it going to take an hour to get from Santa Monica to Hollywood (13 miles)?

Good example! My brother was coming home from a movie shoot yesterday in Santa Monica. He was on Santa Monica Blvd and decided to call me. We were on the phone for a 1/2 hour and he had barely moved a mile. I called him about an hour later to see what time he had gotten home. He was just walking in the door. He lives off of Santa Monica Blvd and Fairfax in West Hollywood. That was during rush hour.

Yes it gets crazy. I avoid the 101 freeway as much as possible when we are out there. That's a crazy freeway.

But, honestly I can flow with the traffic out there than what I can here at home. I hate using the freeways out here. YUK!

[Rapunsel]

On a side note...

If you don't learn how to drive in LA it is awful... I refuse to let my husband drive when we come home for a vacation. He won't go as fast as everyone else. gets mad when someones cuts him off and drives me insane..

Basically, sit down, shut up and hold on..


Also about 90% of the time expect someone to run the red light. (after yours has already turned green)


Rapunsel
a former so. cal driver . Now a new york driver.. (not much change!)

[WatchinCaptKangaroo]

Not ALL the exits are on the right. I can think of a couple that are on the left, but they're rare and usually aren't streets where tourists want to get off the freeway.

That's what I ment. Thanks :)

We do drive fast and we do drive agressively. Just stay in the slowest lane, don't try to regulate someone else's speed in the left lanes (meaning, don't get in that lane and refuse to move over, because the guy behind you is speeding and shouldn't be going that fast, anyway) and try to relax.

I can't emphasize this enough. Nothing is more aggrivating then to be crusing along at 75 and have someone get in front of me and going slow enough to make me have to hit my brakes and then decide that they are going to decide how fast I am going to go. If you don't have enough room to move over and speed up, you don't have enough room to move over.

Our freeways aren't that bad. I know I'm not doing much to make you think otherwise, I'm just trying to give you insight to how we drive in CA.

[blackjackdelta]

That's what I ment. Thanks :)



I can't emphasize this enough. Nothing is more aggrivating then to be crusing along at 75 and have someone get in front of me and going slow enough to make me have to hit my brakes and then decide that they are going to decide how fast I am going to go. If you don't have enough room to move over and speed up, you don't have enough room to move over.

Our freeways aren't that bad. I know I'm not doing much to make you think otherwise, I'm just trying to give you insight to how we drive in CA.
I would like to know what your smokin while watchincaptkangaroo. Having gone to school in LA and having to go to SoCal on business and to see relatives over the last few years, you have to be blinded by the light. They are antiquated, poorly signed at best, drivers at discourteous and drive 20+ over the limit when they can, motorcycles weave in and out of vehicles and no cops in sight. You get around HongKong, Singapore, DC, and London easier than the LA basin. If there is an accident, god forbid, you could run to your destination quicker. Best advice..be patient and take your Ativan, you will need it.

Jack pirate:

[WatchinCaptKangaroo]

I work and live in Orange County. I deal with the rush hour traffic on a daily basis. I travel to LA and Ventura counties on a regular basis. Unless you live here you really have no idea. The freeways have undergone major improvements. And yes, I can go 75 to and from work because I time it right. When I take the 5 up to the Valley I can go 75-80 on the weekends. Yes, we do go that fast. If you want to go 65 or slower stay to the right.

OP and anyone else who is from out of the area. Please don't listen to Jack Pirate. He really doesn't know what he is talking about. We're not that scary, the freeways aren't that bad. Yes, there are a lot of cars, and some drivers are jerks. Just pay attention to your surroundings, if you have room to move over, don't hesitate, just move.

[caimakale]

That's what I ment. Thanks :)



I can't emphasize this enough. Nothing is more aggrivating then to be crusing along at 75 and have someone get in front of me and going slow enough to make me have to hit my brakes and then decide that they are going to decide how fast I am going to go. If you don't have enough room to move over and speed up, you don't have enough room to move over.

Our freeways aren't that bad. I know I'm not doing much to make you think otherwise, I'm just trying to give you insight to how we drive in CA.
I love driving in southern Cal. I can deal with traffic jams better than I can deal with the idiot who drives 5 mph UNDER the speed limit in the far left lane! People drive very fast there and I am no exception. I have also seen several accidents on the side of the road in southern cal that didn't stop traffic in the slightest bit. In Salt Lake, everybody and there dog has to come to a full stop to see the accident like it's any of their business and like them stopping to look is going to help things get better. I hope the california driving skills make their way a little northeast :)

[ArielsMelody]

Ah, fellow southern Californians defending our freeways! :) I agree -- they really aren't that bad at all once you get used to them.

I've lived on the east coast (Massachusetts) and the Midwest (Minnesota) and now in LA for almost 2 years and I love it here! I have no intention of ever living anywhere else. As for the freeways -- yes there is a lot of traffic. There are also a lot of LANES -- 5 to 7 on most freeways. So here's my advice: make use of all those lanes. If you're not positive where you are going, stay towards the right or the middle, since you will be looking for an exit. I do agree that the signage is rather lacking. Sorry about that! But, on the other hand, I don't agree that other drivers are mean out here. Actually, I found the drivers around Minneapolis and St. Paul to be nasty and SCARY -- that whole "Minnesota Nice" thing goes right out the window when they are driving. The point is, it's a fast moving city where everyone has somewhere to get to, and we all know everyone else has to get there too. So for the most part, I think people will help you out unless you try to do something completely aggravating or stupid (like swerve across lanes).

So yeah -- relax, sit back, and drive. It will be okay.

Oh and yes -- expect motorcycles to ride the lane lines on the highway and fly by you. That's what they do -- even cops! Just take comfort in knowing that if one of you panics, you, in the car, are going to win that battle!

Ariel :)

[DisQueen]

When I turned 16 and started driving the freeways, my dad gave me a piece of advice. "Pick a lane, preferably neither the far left nor far right, and stick with it." Not trying to save a few minutes by weaving in and out of traffic can really reduce the stress of driving the freeways in a strange place. Plus, you have time to watch the other guy and look for your exit. Do I still follow his advice 20+ years later? Uh, nope (sorry, dad). I do still "pick my lane" when I'm driving in an area I'm not familiar with. Just give yourself plenty of time and remember that the rest of us aren't on vacation. That should give you a smile :cool1:

[blackjackdelta]

The post was not meant to scare people away, just to say that LA freeways are a much different driving experience than most of the rest of the world. Many people to not have the temperment deal with the traffic or the rudeness of many of the people.(Not all) LA has never kept up with the population expansion, but they are not alone. If folks are used to driving in the larger metro areas then they should have no problem driving in the LA basin. But to say the LA freeways are just fine or fun to drive on is deceiving people about the traffic unless you are a cast member of "Need for Speed."
So enough said, You all have a great day in the basin. It is a wonderful place to visit.

Jack pirate:

[ktulu]

From Lewisville, huh? I live in Coppell. I travel 121 to work in Frisco/Plano/Legacy area. What a beating.

Yep! 121 is a beating. I had to take my Jeep to the bankston dealership for some work, had to go during rush hour. Did the same thing 6 days later to pick it up. Based on your name, did you attend UNT? My graduated from there in 2000 (i think 2000 doh!)

darren

[meangreen]

Yep! 121 is a beating. I had to take my Jeep to the bankston dealership for some work, had to go during rush hour. Did the same thing 6 days later to pick it up. Based on your name, did you attend UNT? My graduated from there in 2000 (i think 2000 doh!)

darren

Yes, but it wasn't called UNT when I was there. I graduated in '86. I'm a long time fb season ticket holder. Go Mean Green!

[meangreen]

OK, what I gather from everyone's posts is that the traffic is not all that different from here. We have rude drivers too and 70+ on the freeway is pretty much the norm during non-rush times. Regarding map services, does anyone really follow the directions that those things give? I mean, I can almost always find a better route than what they suggest. I'm a bit of a map dork, though. I'll use the map itself, but I don't need the text part telling me where to turn.

[cryssi]

I have also seen several accidents on the side of the road in southern cal that didn't stop traffic in the slightest bit.
:confused:

really? no one knows how to drive here in so cal. I commute 1.5 hrs to work each way and generally, regardless of day/time, people slow down when the road bends. Also, looky loos are pretty bad! Traffic shouldn't slow down for an accident on the OTHER SIDE of the freeway unless it is a car-b-que or there are body bags...just because the other side is stopped doesn't necessarily mean that there is something exciting going on...


In Salt Lake, everybody and there dog has to come to a full stop to see the accident like it's any of their business and like them stopping to look is going to help things get better.
:rotfl:

meangreen - maybe you can google maps your route and one of us locals can tell you if that's really a good idea?

c

p.s. sometimes you'll get lucky and the freeways will be clear! I love driving when they are clear...I can get to work in a little over an hour...like Friday mornings are usually "friday light"

[TSRE]

OK, what I gather from everyone's posts is that the traffic is not all that different from here. We have rude drivers too and 70+ on the freeway is pretty much the norm during non-rush times. Regarding map services, does anyone really follow the directions that those things give? I mean, I can almost always find a better route than what they suggest. I'm a bit of a map dork, though. I'll use the map itself, but I don't need the text part telling me where to turn.

I think that's the right take on it - if you get stressed and think LA is horrible to drive in, then it probably will be for you because stressed drivers are not generally good drivers, you know? I've lived in both No. Cal & So. Cal for long periods of time, and the only big difference I notice is that some people in So. Cal do drive faster (I was always one of them - used to drive 80 to 85 to work everyday - now I'm older and more reasonable :) ). The key is not to worry about it - just drive.

I had to say, I agree with you on the map thing. We've had a couple people print directions to get to our neighborhood that tell them to go through a permanently closed gate (except for emergency vehicles). They would never find their way here off of those directions!

[Tiinkerbelle]

Traffic jams, accidents, it took us almost 2 hours to go about 2-3 miles one time.
Also the drivers, very aggressive, one cut us off so we tried to pass him. He basically just drove very fast, got infront of us, then slowed down so he was going 1/2 the speed of everyone else. After passing him, he pulled up to my fiance's side of the car (he was driving) and flipped him off.

[blackjackdelta]

We use the AAA triptik's. When we are ready to leave the maps are updated as to where construction is going on, etc. They can be customized to take any route that you want, with the stops you want. We also use a programable GPS that helps with time and distance. (Just makes traveling easier.)

Good driving,
Jack pirate:

[CindyKansas]

Being a Kansas girl, which means we don't have too many freeways around and 10 miles = 10 minutes and that I could drive 20 to 30 miles without seeing another vehicle. I will say I have driven in Southern California many times and I don't think it's that bad. It's been a year since I was last in Southern California but we were staying at Huntington Beach and we had the opportunity to stay that visit for 2 weeks. DH was working and DD & I explored the LA area during the day with the rental car. We had a blast going to San Diego one day and a couple of trips up to Santa Barbara, Oxnard, etc. We were 14 miles from Disneyland and it did take us close to 30 to 40 minutes to get there, depending on the traffic.

I have driven in many cities and I will say that I thought traffic was worse in Miami and Houston (you'd better drive at least 90 mph in both cities or you will get ran over) then the LA region. Worst experience I ever had was downtown Chicago during rush hour (could have just been the day).

[Torjohnson]

I will say that the traffic is extremely unpredictable in southern cal...well, the basic rush hour thing might take you triple the time(most extreme case), but once in awhile it will be fine...Otherwise the traffic might back up in the late night hours, or the middle of the day...
but I will say this...people drive really well. They are used to it, they are skilled...often times rushed but pretty curteous if you get in a wrong lane and try to fix it. I actually enjoy driving in LA :hippie: :hippie: :hippie: :hippie:

[blackjackdelta]

Wasn't Tor Johnson a B movie actor who made movies with Bela Lagosi and produced by Ed Wood.

Jack pirate:

[Torjohnson]

Plan nine from Outer Space was my biggest hit!! I died in the 70"s but I come back from time to time.
:lmao: :lmao: :lmao: :lmao:

[blackjackdelta]

Great, I went to motion picture school at USC many,many years ago and this was a movie about how not to make a movie. Was voted worst picture of all time..just loved it.

Jack pirate:

[paulh]

thanks folks this thread has knocked my confidence no end.As well as having to drive on the wrong side of the road i got to put up with all the jams as well as DW looking at thing at the side of the road insted of navigating.Well i will just have to grin and bear it take it easy and not get flustered.Also can you undertake as well in californa like in florida (we are not alowed to do that or turn right on red wich would be left as we drive on opposite side of the rad to you)
Paulh

[WatchinCaptKangaroo]

thanks folks this thread has knocked my confidence no end.As well as having to drive on the wrong side of the road i got to put up with all the jams as well as DW looking at thing at the side of the road insted of navigating.Well i will just have to grin and bear it take it easy and not get flustered.Also can you undertake as well in californa like in florida (we are not alowed to do that or turn right on red wich would be left as we drive on opposite side of the rad to you)
Paulh

Would you have prefered that we lied to you and told you that there is no traffic, no traffic jams and no rude drivers? And are you telling us there is no traffic, no traffic jams and no rude drivers where you live?

You will be fine. Don't attempt to go or leave LA at 4pm. If you do expect traffic. Everyone leaves work between 4pm and 6pm. If you're unsure of the freeways when you are on them stay to the right. It's really not that bad!

[Torjohnson]

there is actually a musical based on the movie that was a big hit in LA ten years ago
(my alter ego, who uses my nAME AS A LOG IN, wrote the piece.)
but now I come back
to ride rides at disneyland and haunt the mansion

[meangreen]

OK, I just took a look at our expected itenerary and looks like the only time we might have a conflict with rush hour traffic would be on a Friday evening. That day is supposed to be a "drive around and check things out" kind of day. We are going to try to go to Santa Monica, Venice, PCH and Hollywood that day. So, it really depends on where we happen to be at that time of day. Our other expected driving times are:

Friday, mid-morning: from SNA to Santa Monica/Venice.
Saturday, noon-ish: from LA to San Diego.
Mon. evening: San Diego to Anaheim. (we'll wait until after rush hour)
Thur., mid-afternoon: DL to SNA. (we need to be at SNA about 4p)

[WatchinCaptKangaroo]

My recommendation for Friday would be this. Friday, mid-morning (9am and later) will not have much, if any rush hour traffic. If you can plan to be in one place, or plan a bunch of local places (like spend the time at 3rd Street Promonade in Santa Monica, or at the Hollywood and Highland complex in Hollywood) between 4pm and 7pm you'll be OK. Avoid the freeways from 4pm-7pm.

The streets in Santa Monica and Venice are also very narrow, so there will be a lot of traffic on those too. Watch out for 1-way streets and frequent stop signs. Also, the stop lights turn very quickly, always be prepared to stop.

[Tink33]

Friday, mid-morning: from SNA to Santa Monica/Venice.
Saturday, noon-ish: from LA to San Diego.
Mon. evening: San Diego to Anaheim. (we'll wait until after rush hour)
Thur., mid-afternoon: DL to SNA. (we need to be at SNA about 4p)


You can expect traffic on Saturday heading to San Diego too.

[RADOPT]

We were in La at the beginning of the month and driving was not as bad as I thought it would be. We drove to San Diego on tuesday at about 9:30 and returned about 4. There was some traffice but it was not the whole way. There seemed to be pockets of traffic and then it cleared.

The thing that got to me was the speed (if we went that fast here we would have been pulled over). Even the CHP goes fast. It seems that as long as you go with the flow you are OK. I was doing 80 and a chp officer passed me by - easy to do without realizing that you are going that fast. The other thing was the number of trucks! If there were 3 lanes - 2 had trucks in them..... The only lane that didn't ever have a truck in it was the far left. We also drove around LA on wed.

We had no one cut us off, etc. For the most, the drivers were pretty courteous - both the cars and trucks. Just know where you need to go and watch the signs.

[ltlbird2003]

I have been driving around Southern California for many years and the most important thing you need around here is confidence. Timid driviers are the BANE of my exsistance. Do not count on internet map sites to have accurate info - use a real map. And try turning on 1070am for traffic reports. Check the traffic report before you go. Plan on on extra drive time on week days during commute times and anytime near LAX. And expect people to drive close to you. What is tailgating in other places is considered normal here. Leaving lots of space between cars means that there is room for someone to pull in front of you. We are not all grumpy all of the time. Take a deep breath and enjoy the wild ride. :)

[Sleeping Jedi Beauty]

My family lives in the SF Bay Area. We like to leave for DL around 3:00pm on a weekday so we can avoid LA rush hour and get in around 9 or 10. Leaving around noon or 1 can put us in Anaheim the same time as leaving at 3:00 as rush hour can add at least an hour or two.

[ktnlxismom]

I grew up in LA/OC and learned to drive there. I agree with what most people are saying here, if you aren't sure where you are going, just stay to the right and you will be fine. Also, avoid rush hour like the plague - 6-9AM and 3:30 - 6:30P. I used to drive from OC to Universal Studios to work, it took me about 2.5 hours each way. If you must go somewhere during rush hour, just make sure you allow plenty of time!!!!! :moped:

If I may add one suggestion - rent a car with a GPS system - it will help you with directions and will at least take navigating off your mind and you can concentrate on the road and just do what the computer tells you to do. Relax, you'll be fine. :goodvibes :hug: :drive:

[bjakmom]

Yikes ! I'll be getting AAA triptiks - my navigator will only be 8 yo!!
Any 'time' suggestions for driving from LAX to Hollywood on a Friday (flight gets in around noon- I was going to head right to USH hotel) - then need to get from Hollywood to San Diego on a Sunday (was planning on heading south after our noon check out)? Also need to head back to Anaheim (DLH) the following Sat morning from Carlsbad. I was hoping to be checking into DLH around 11 or noon - how does that sound? I live at the Jersey shore and if you time your weekend travel wrong, you are sitting in traffic forever!!
And you guys have definitely convinced me to take a car service back to the airport- I hate any stress when trying to make a flight !!! :smooth:

[DisQueen]

I think those are good plans. I've never used a triptik in the LA area, but I always get them for road trips elsewhere. Your timing from LAX to Hollywood is good. Friday traffic starts around 3:00 ("get-away-Friday"). Sunday am to SD is good also. Traffic from LA to SD is bad on Friday afternoon/Sat. am. Return traffic (SD to LA) is bad on Sunday afternoon. Sounds like you are visiting Legoland? We were there yesterday. The new Pirates Shores (water area) was fun! I don't know if it was luck or good planning, but your timing should help you with traffic. I think I saw that someone suggested AM1070 for traffic reports. Good idea, but if you don't have an alternate route, traffic reports don't help much.

[blackjackdelta]

We use the triptiks plus a palm GPS device which gives us very good directions no matter where we going, along with distance and estimated/actual drive times. Since the drive is 1300 miles one way, it just makes life easier.

Jack pirate:

[blackjackdelta]

Going to USH on a Sat morning. Last summer it tooks us 1.5 hours on a Friday. What would be a good time to leave from Anaheim to make it by 0900 barring accidents.

Jack pirate:

[travelgirl06]

As long as you are prepared for LA traffic, driving is completely doable. I used to be a really timid driver, and recently drove through LA with no problem.

The keys to having an enjoyable drive are:
1. Know where you are going, have written directions and a map, a "navigator" to help look for signs and read directions is also a major help.
2. Try to avoid peak rush hours (this is obvious, but important).
3. Stay calm, don't let the traffic stress you out, yes there are a lot of cars & lanes, but its really not that much different then driving anywhere else
4. Utilize the Carpool (HOV) Lane whenever possible, these are amazing, just make sure you are following the rules (some lanes are 2 or more people while others are 3 or more), on some HOV lanes you can only enter and exit the lane at designated points, so watch for signs so you know when you need to leave the carpool lane.
5. Use your turn signal and drive assertively and you'll be fine.

[bellelinus]

We're just back from So Cal, and I didn't find the driving conditions to be as bad as I had expected. Traffic can be heavy (but I'm used to that in the NYC metro area) but I had been concerned with how easy it would be to find my way around and deal with the other drivers, and had no problems. I had figured out my routes ahead of time, and let my 14 year old look at a map to help me out. Just a note of reassurance!