Rush hour drive from Carmel to the SFO airport? (San Jose: live in, commute)

[JAS]

I posted this in the San Francisco forum, but I guess it's really more of a San Jose issue ...

I've driven between SFO and Carmel a few times on weekends or non-rush-hours, but I will need to drive from Carmel to SFO (let's assume using 280) in a few weeks on a Wednesday AM for a noon flight. How is the traffic mid-morning on a Wednesday heading north on 280 to the airport? I assume that 280 is the better option over 101, or am I wrong?

[sonarrat]

280 to 380 should be the better option, yes. It's pretty much a monster through San Jose between 7-9, but not bad outside those hours. Don't chance it on Hwy 17.

[bobby_guz_man]

I used to commute from Monterey to South San Jose in the morning around 8AM, and it would take me about 1.5 hours. Without traffic it would be about an hour, so it's an extra half an hour. Monterey is about 10 minutes away from Carmel, so I would definitely add another 15 minutes to your commute, and then 1-1.5 hours to the traffic between San Jose and SFO (or more) via 280.

I would guesstimate about a 3-3.5 hour drive each way for you. I would just go as early as I can

[MediocreButArrogant]

Have you considered the Monterey Airbus? Would their schedule/pickup locations work for you?

Monterey Airbus Schedule

[JAS]

Thanks for the feedback .. JAS

[SportyandMisty]

Depart early prior to rush hour. Spend rush hour in traffic. Arrive at SFO after rush hour is over.

[sonarrat]

Originally Posted by SportyandMisty

Depart early prior to rush hour. Spend rush hour in traffic. Arrive at SFO after rush hour is over.

Unfortunately, this looks like what is going to happen.

[zombocom]

I doubt you'll find much of a difference between going through Santa Cruz or going up through Castroville/Gilroy.

280 is usually more pleasant than 101, although SFO is off the 101, so you'll have to backtrack a little on 280.

[JAS]

Originally Posted by SportyandMisty

Depart early prior to rush hour. Spend rush hour in traffic. Arrive at SFO after rush hour is over.

I live in metro Atlanta, so that is already one of my acquired skills.

[Wintermomma]

You might want to go through San Jose airport next time to at least cut it in half...or get a ride to Gilroy to catch the caltrain, then from Gilroy to Millbrae and xfer to Bart to SFO, if the Baby Bullet is early enough for you. At least then you'd skip the SV part of the commute, if you won't have the carpool lane it's terrible and even with the carpool lane the 85 isn't markedly better.