Road Trip: From Bellevue to Oakhurst, California

Are you planning a road trip from Bellevue, Washington, to Oakhurst, California? If so, you’re going to be spending some time on the road. But how much time will you need? We’ve got the inside scoop on the different routes you can take, how long they’ll take you, and the best times to hit the road.

Options for the fastest and slowest routes

The fastest route from Bellevue to Oakhurst involves taking I-5 South to CA-99 South, then merging onto CA-41 South. It’s approximately a 10 and a half hour drive, covering 718 miles. If you’re looking for the slow and scenic route, consider taking I-90 East to US-97 South and then US-395 South. This route takes approximately 15 hours and covers 772 miles.

Differences in driving time

Driving times can vary considerably depending on the season, time of day, and day of the week. For example, if you hit the road during heavy traffic, you could add on a few hours to your trip. On the other hand, if you choose to drive at night when there’s less traffic, you may be able to shave off some time.

During peak traffic times, the 10 and a half hour drive may add anywhere from 1 to 3 additional hours to your journey, while the 15 hour drive could add up to 5 hours. For the quickest time, you may want to consider driving during the late evening or early morning when there’s less congestion on the road.

Our recommended route and drive time

Our recommended route is the same as the fastest route, where you take I-5 South to CA-99 South, then merge onto CA-41 South. To have the smoothest and quickest drive, we recommend leaving early in the morning to avoid any traffic. You should reach Oakhurst in approximately 10 and a half hours. However, if you plan to hit the road later in the day, be prepared to add a few extra hours to your drive.

Before hitting the road, pack some essential snacks, load up your favorite tunes, and enjoy the journey. Happy driving!