Driving from Burlingame to Petaluma – Fastest and Slowest Routes

Driving from Burlingame, California, to Petaluma, California can take a bit of planning and foresight. Depending on the time of day and the route that you take, the time it takes to travel this distance can dramatically vary. In this post, we'll go over the fastest and slowest routes, the distance of each route, and the time it takes based on traffic patterns.

The Fastest Route

If you're looking to travel to Petaluma as quickly as possible, the fastest route is via US-101 North. This route is a total of 38 miles and, on a clear day, it typically takes around 45 minutes to make the journey. However, during peak traffic times, this time can be much longer. With slow moving traffic, it's not unusual for this route to take up to an hour-and-a-half to complete. If you're intending to use this route, it's best to travel outside of rush hours to ensure the quickest travel time.

The Slowest Route

While it might not be the way that most people choose to travel from Burlingame to Petaluma, the slowest route is via CA-1 N and CA-116 E. This route is a total of 49 miles and can take around an hour and a half to travel, even during the best traffic conditions. Passengers that choose this route are likely doing so to enjoy the stunning scenery and coastline along the way rather than for the speed of travel.

The Middle Route

If you're looking for a balance between speed and distance, the middle route is via I-280 N, followed by US-101 N. This route is 44 miles and typically takes around 1 hour to complete. During peak traffic times, it's possible that this time could stretch to 2 hours or more. This route is recommended during low traffic times, and it provides some great views of the San Francisco Bay area.

Traffic Patterns

The key to successful travel from Burlingame to Petaluma is understanding the traffic patterns. Peak traffic times are during the morning and evening rush hours – typically 7-9 a.m. and 4-7 p.m. It's advisable to travel at other times when traffic is much less congested. This ensures a faster and less stressful journey across all routes.

Conclusion

Driving from Burlingame to Petaluma can be a quick and easy drive or a scenic and casual drive – it all depends on the route you choose and the traffic conditions. We hope this guide has given you a clear understanding of the different routes available, the time it takes to travel on each route, and typical traffic patterns for peak and low travel times. Whatever your reason for traveling, always remember safety first and consider the most appropriate and safest route at that moment.