Commute From Mill Valley to Pacific Heights - What to Expect (San Rafael: quality of life, living)

[hotdogbun]

My wife and I are considering a move to Mill Valley. We presently live in Cow Hollow, and her commute to work is a walkable 7 block breeze.

What could we expect for a morning commute to Pacific Heights from Mill Valley, and an evening commute back? Is it hellacious? What are the various route gotchas? Are there any alternative routes? Are some days (like fridays) worse than others?

We realize there's a hefty fee to cross the GG Bridge; we'll just calculate that in with other living expenses. What I'm most concerned about is the Quality of Life factor a horrible commute would effect.

I'd love to get the input of anyone that has done this commute. Thanks!

[sonarrat]

I understand it's worse if you're coming from north of San Rafael. Other than that, it's just really narrow and scary lanes and jersey barriers inches from your right side, and occasional delays.

[hotdogbun]

I didn't specifically ask but I probably should have: what sort of travel times are we talking about? 20 minutes? Half hour? An hour? 2 hours on bad days?

Again, thanks for any and all input.

[sonarrat]

20 minutes with no traffic, 30-40 during rush hour. The real stick is going to be after you get across the bridge. Also, there have been rumblings of adding an additional toll to Doyle Drive, on top of the $5 cash/$4 FasTrak fare for the bridge itself.

[hotdogbun]

Is it "across the bridge" both ways? Or just heading north out of the city?

Thanks for your responses sonarrat--are you up in that area?

[sonarrat]

I'm on the peninsula, but I know people who commute from there to here daily. The northbound direction is usually a little easier, because you don't have to stop to pay a toll. As you probably know the GG has reversible lanes - so you'll always have maximum traffic flow in the direction you're going.

[hotdogbun]

Is there anyone who does this drive regularly that could weigh in on this?

'twould be much appreciated. Thanks!

[Doggz3]

It's a piece of cake - 20 minutes by bus on most mornings to the KFC on Lombard (meaning 15 minutes by car) - afternoons can get tough if you're in the heart of rush hour but the real back up starts after the Miller Avenue exit so you can avoid any real problems - bus from the financial district usually takes 40-50 minutes at the height of rush hour (been doing this 14 years).