Driving time to Santa Monica from DLR?

[dibs0901]

Could anyone give me an idea how long it would take to drive to Santa Monica from DLR and also would it be better to go on a week day or weekend?
Thanks.

 

[sasha]

I worked in SM for many years. IMO I would figure a good hour to SM from DLR. It will likely take a little less time, but figure an hour.

And a weekday will only be better than a weekend if you're not traveling during prime traffic hours. There's usually a lot of traffic around SM no matter what time of the day you go because it's near the beach . But I'd avoid it before 9am and after 3pm.

 

[LittleWoodenHead]

If it were me, I would easily allow 1:15 (give or take 15 minutes). An hour may be doable, but I would not expect to do it in less. (Also depends on whereabouts in Santa Monica you are heading. Surface street traffic can crawl slower than freeway traffic, so getting from the 10 to your destination could take an inordinate amount of time.)

Even without accidents and closures, the route taken and hour of the day is crucial.

Route: Going by the most direct route (5 North to the 10 West), you are still talking about 40 miles of freeway driving. You are unlikely to maintain a speed of 60mph over the entire route, regardless of time of day. There are other routes that, though longer, could take less time overall -- but it's really a crapshoot.

Time: Anytime on a weekend will probably be faster (barring any routine Caltrans work, which is scheduled more on the weekend). The earlier the better. On nice days, you can expect more traffic on the weekends, as people head to the beach. Still shouldn't be as bad as a weekday, however.

Weekdays will be rough, regardless of time of day. Even if you avoid rush hours, these are still two very heavily-traveled freeways. If you have to go on a weekday, your best bets are probably mid-morning (after 10AM), early afternoon (1:30 to 2-ish), or later in the evening (after 8:00PM).

 

[dibs0901]

Ouch! Not what I wanted to hear but thanks very much both of you - it's best to be prepared!

We're coming over from England and went to SM on a previous visit to LA about 17 years ago. We loved it and would really like to return. I think we'll have to risk it!

 

[Hound 109]

I don't live in LA, but i'll share my experiences. (in March & then in June) Using the I 5 & the I 10.

Mon. (leaving at) 10am - Santa Monica - DL - 80 min. (not bumper to bumper, but very crowded the whole way)

Wed. (leaving DL at) 7pm - DL - SM - 60 min. (we were surprised...slowed down a little near the airport, but was pretty steady 55-65 mph)

Next Trip:

Sun Morn - leaving at 8:20am Santa Monica - DL - 45 minutes!!!! 70 mph the whole way. I don't think they get up early in LA on Sun. morning.

Tuesday - Leaving at 3pm - DL - SM 90 minutes. Bumper to bumper on the 5 north for 20 miles. & nutty motorcycle riders going between the cars.

hound