A Scenic Drive from Berkeley to San Mateo: How Long It Takes

Are you planning a getaway from Berkeley to San Mateo? The journey can be either fast or slow depending on the route you take and the time of day you choose to travel. In this blog post, we will give you a rundown of the fastest and slowest ways to get from Berkeley to San Mateo and how long each route takes.

Fastest and Slowest Routes

The fastest way to drive from Berkeley to San Mateo is to take the I-580 E and US-101 S route. This route is approximately 23.6 miles long and will take you about 30 minutes to drive without encountering traffic. However, if you travel during peak traffic hours, this same journey could take you up to 45 minutes.

On the other hand, the slowest and more scenic route is via the CA-24 E and I-680 S. This route is approximately 36.5 miles long, and it will take you around 50 minutes to get to San Mateo without traffic. But beware, as this route takes you through the hills and valleys of the East Bay area, you are bound to encounter a lot of slow-moving vehicles, which could add up to 15 to 20 minutes to your journey.

Traffic Patterns

The time it takes to drive from Berkeley to San Mateo also depends on traffic patterns. Peak traffic hours on weekdays are between 7:00 am to 10:00 am and between 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. If you choose to travel during these hours, you could encounter major traffic jams on any of the two routes, adding up to 15-20 minutes to your journey.

On weekends, traffic eases up, allowing you to make the journey faster. If you drive from Berkeley to San Mateo on a Saturday or Sunday morning or late evening, you could do the I-580 E and US-101 S route for about 25-35 minutes without traffic. The same goes for the CA-24 E and I-680 S route, which you could do in 45-55 minutes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, driving from Berkeley to San Mateo is a journey that offers amazing scenic views and several routes to choose from. Remember to consider your travel time and traffic patterns when choosing which route to take. If you are in a hurry, take the I-580 E and US-101 S route, and if you want to enjoy the scenic view or do not mind going slow, take the CA-24 E and I-680 S route. Enjoy the ride!