What time is rush hour in Los Angeles?

MichelleP · #1 (**permalink**) April 6th, 2006, 07:29 AM

I'm spending next week in Palmdale, California and need to fly into LAX on Monday. I'd like to time my flight so that when I get on the road I'll be out of rush hour. When are the roads most congested?

Thanks in advance.

Cheers,
Michelle P.

The Cruise Guy · #2 (**permalink**) April 6th, 2006, 07:42 AM

Between 7AM and 6PM

MichelleP · #3 (**permalink**) April 6th, 2006, 07:43 AM

Oh, that was helpful.

Cheers,
Michelle P.

DougR. · #4 (**permalink**) April 6th, 2006, 07:56 AM

Actually Michelle, he wasn't really joking. The freeways in LA are almost always a horror show. I have experienced "infrastructure delays" (PC term for too damn many cars on the road) at almost all daylight hours. I am glad I was only there temporarily.

CA Cruiser · #5 (**permalink**) April 6th, 2006, 08:47 AM

Ah come on, they're not that bad!!!??? Well I guess for some they can be very intimidating and yes there are times even I won't get on them. Michelle, I would say anytime between 9AM and 3PM shouldn't be too bad. Most people are already at work but many businesses have a 3PM quitting time to help ease the congestion. What's out in Palmdale? That's where many people go offroading and/or riding their ATVs. Have a great time and I hope our weather cooperates and stops raining for you. Enjoy.

Darcy · #6 (**permalink**) April 6th, 2006, 09:14 AM

Michelle:

I was just there in early March. On Monday, we left our hotel at about 11:00 a.m. and there really wasn't much traffic at all. It took us about 15 minutes to get from the hotel (Westin LAX) to San Pedro. Coming back, we were on the freeway on Friday at about 7:30 a.m.. While there was a lot of traffic, it was moving pretty well. The closer we got to the airport the slower it got, but we never came to a complete standstill. It took about half an hour to get from the pier to the airport.

Darcy

MichelleP · #7 (**permalink**) April 6th, 2006, 10:04 AM

Thanks everyone. My flight arrives at 9:30. Might have more traffic when I leave as that flight will be at 10:30.

Cheers,
Michelle P.

CruisinK n J · #8 (**permalink**) April 6th, 2006, 11:36 AM

Your biggest hurdle will be the 405 freeway. You don't say if you're getting in 9:30 a.m. or p.m.

BTW, Keith is right: you might want to check out shuttle service to Palmdale. They have a big airport out there.

Judy

bigjohn461 · #9 (**permalink**) April 6th, 2006, 12:37 PM

I always tried to get in to LA around midnight or 1am..it was still busy at those hours but not as bad. *in my truck driving days*.