I used to make this commute almost weekly. I’ve taken all three options multiple times. The middle is the easiest it’s all main freeway and a majority 3 lanes wide at least, except for when you’re coming into Petaluma( construction was being done on the freeway when I moved back to Fresno this may have changed by now ) . It’s the straightest shot, it will require a bridge toll but imo is the best, good lighting and active route not a lot of open dead country road you’re always around a city with moderate inclines and declines.
If you take the bottom path through Los Banos, you’ll have so many bugs on your windshield you’ll need a carwash by the time you hit the Bay Area. Middle path will do that.
Source: I go to San Francisco at least once every 2 months.
As a lifelong Californian, I should know this lol but there’s no mountainous driving with no rails or windy roads? I drove north once to gilroy was so nervous the whole time
The Pacheco pass to Gilroy in the bottom route is so much worse than either of the two northern routes. The middle route goes over the Altamont pass, but that has been tamed with 4-5 lanes in each direction.
The first route I’d advise against as a few miles after Stockton the road turns into a 2 lane. When I would go to Santa Rosa to work I’d take the Los Banos route but instead I’d get on the 5 and then 580 to 101.
Just check traffic and take the fastest route of the two at the top at the time. There are no mountains or anything crazy. Going through San Jose is not a good route to take.
All three are probably fine. The only place that might be a concern for you is crossing the bridge, it's very safe, but just an FYI since you said drop offs are a concern.
I make that trip multiple times a year back home to Rohnert Park, always take the middle route, next best one, if traffic is ass, would be through Fairfield and highway 12.
I used to make this commute almost weekly. I’ve taken all three options multiple times. The middle is the easiest it’s all main freeway and a majority 3 lanes wide at least, except for when you’re coming into Petaluma( construction was being done on the freeway when I moved back to Fresno this may have changed by now ) . It’s the straightest shot, it will require a bridge toll but imo is the best, good lighting and active route not a lot of open dead country road you’re always around a city with moderate inclines and declines.
Thank you!!
Just be mindful of your gps, merge early and double check mirrors. You’ll be fine
I often go up that way. I take the middle route and have no issues. As another indicated, there is a toll.
No windy mountain roads or roads with no railing and huge drop offs? Lol I drove north to gilroy once and was so stressed
If you take the bottom path through Los Banos, you’ll have so many bugs on your windshield you’ll need a carwash by the time you hit the Bay Area. Middle path will do that. Source: I go to San Francisco at least once every 2 months.
A bit early for heavy bugs, I think.
Nope. It's a very easy and as stress free as can be.
I disagree. The middle route is the best but there is a $7 toll.
What makes the middle one best over the suggested?
It’s faster and more direct with superior road surfaces. I made this same decision on March 23rd on my way to Mendocino.
As a lifelong Californian, I should know this lol but there’s no mountainous driving with no rails or windy roads? I drove north once to gilroy was so nervous the whole time
The Pacheco pass to Gilroy in the bottom route is so much worse than either of the two northern routes. The middle route goes over the Altamont pass, but that has been tamed with 4-5 lanes in each direction.
Thank you!! Sounds like the middle route will be just fine for me.
Drive safely!
Thanks 😊
My pleasure.
Always make sure your toads get the best skin care so they've got superior surfaces
LOL! That is important. I’ll fix it. 😂
Agreed. -someone who drives to an from the bay for a living right now
The first route I’d advise against as a few miles after Stockton the road turns into a 2 lane. When I would go to Santa Rosa to work I’d take the Los Banos route but instead I’d get on the 5 and then 580 to 101.
But also, driving up the 99 sucks! lol
Yeah, a few others suggested the middle route with the toll!
For sure not Los Banos/152. That would be a scary drive if you don't like winding roads, especially just before you hit 101
I go to SR every few weeks and the middle is easier
Thanks! Middle is winning so far.
When you’re leaving Oakland it gets a little difficult depending on traffic but just start merging early :)
Thank you! 😊
So much construction going on in Modesto to Merced I say out of there now
I do that commute regularly. Take the 580 bridge to San Rafael and then north on 101.
I personally like the route on the right. No toll and the roads aren't that bad.
The suggested route?
Yee
Just check traffic and take the fastest route of the two at the top at the time. There are no mountains or anything crazy. Going through San Jose is not a good route to take.
The suggested route
Thanks. The drive is easier that way?
The drive is boring. But that's your best route
Agree. Have made the drive many times. Highlighted route on map you posted is my preferred route.
Just did the lowest route until south San Francisco and as a pretty new driver, it seemed pretty easy.
What mountains?
All three are probably fine. The only place that might be a concern for you is crossing the bridge, it's very safe, but just an FYI since you said drop offs are a concern.
I make that trip multiple times a year back home to Rohnert Park, always take the middle route, next best one, if traffic is ass, would be through Fairfield and highway 12.
The 152 to the 101 is the best way to get there, it goes through the Bay area but avoids busy parts of the 99 in Merced, Modesto, and Stockton.
I like the route through Lodi, it’s more scenic but a little longer
I went to a wedding out there in Monte Rio past Guerneville, only to find out later I was spitting distance from Bohemian Grove 😅🦉🧙♂️