Road Trip: Driving from Beverly Hills to Newport Beach
If you're planning a road trip from Beverly Hills to Newport Beach, you might be wondering how long it will take to complete the journey. With so many options in terms of routes and traffic patterns, the answer isn't always straightforward. But fear not - we've done the research for you! Here's everything you need to know about the time it takes to drive from Beverly Hills to Newport Beach.
Fastest and Slowest Routes
The distance between Beverly Hills and Newport Beach is approximately 50 miles. The quickest route takes you down the 405 Freeway, while the slowest route is along the scenic Pacific Coast Highway (PCH).
The 405 Freeway can be a breeze or a nightmare, depending on the time of day. In low traffic, you can make it to Newport Beach in a little over an hour. During rush hour, however, this can easily stretch to two hours or more. On the other hand, driving along the PCH is a more leisurely journey, with stunning ocean views, but also a slower speed limit and more stop signs. If you're lucky, you might be able to make it in just over an hour and a half. But if you hit heavy traffic or even a minor accident along the way, that time could easily double.
Traffic Patterns
When it comes to the 405 Freeway, mornings and afternoons on weekdays are the times to avoid. Rush hour in LA tends to start as early as 6:00 am and last until 10:00 am, and again from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm. On weekends, traffic can be a little lighter, but there can still be delays if you're hitting popular destinations or events along the way.
The PCH tends to have more consistent traffic, as it's a popular scenic route year-round. However, weekends and holidays will always bring more cars to the road. Keep an eye out for local events, such as surf competitions or festivals, that can also cause delays.
Peak and Low Traffic Times
To give you a better idea of what to expect, here are some estimates of how long the drive from Beverly Hills to Newport Beach can take at different times of day:
Peak Traffic Times:
- Weekdays during rush hour (6:00 - 10:00 am and 3:00 - 7:00 pm): 2+ hours on the 405, up to 3+ hours on the PCH.
- Holiday weekends and event days: 2+ hours on the 405, up to 3+ hours on the PCH.
Low Traffic Times:
- Weekdays mid-morning or mid-afternoon: 1-2 hours via the 405, 1.5-2 hours via the PCH.
- Weekends before or after prime time (10:00 am - 3:00 pm): 1.5-2 hours via the 405, 1.5-2.5 hours via the PCH.
Conclusion
Driving from Beverly Hills to Newport Beach can take anywhere from an hour to three, depending on the time of day and route you choose. If you're looking for the fastest option and don't mind braving some LA traffic, take the 405 Freeway. If you want a more scenic drive and don't mind taking it slow, take the Pacific Coast Highway. Either way, plan ahead and avoid peak traffic times to make the most of your trip. Have a safe and enjoyable journey!