Best Time to Drive from Palo Alto to San Mateo

Right now (9:01 am PDT): about 15 minutes via US-101 North, usually 15 at this time.

On weekdays the 15-mile drive from Palo Alto to San Mateo (via US-101 North) usually takes as little as 15 minutes and up to 21 minutes, when leaving around 5:30 pm on Thursdays. The fastest times to leave are before 8 am or after 7 pm. Midday (11 am to 2 pm) it takes about 16 minutes. On weekends it is slowest around 7 pm on Sundays (16 minutes).

Typical drive time by departure time

Simulated from typical freeway speeds at each point of the drive for the time you would reach it, from every 5-minute reading we have recorded. Surface streets at each end are estimated.

Questions

What is the best time to drive from Palo Alto to San Mateo?

On weekdays, leave before 8 am or after 7 pm. The drive usually takes about 15 minutes then, versus up to 21 minutes at the worst times.

How long does it take to drive from Palo Alto to San Mateo?

The 15-mile drive usually takes 15 to 21 minutes on weekdays, depending on when you leave, and about 16 minutes midday.

When is traffic worst from Palo Alto to San Mateo?

Leaving around 5:30 pm on Thursdays is usually slowest, about 21 minutes.

Estimate this drive for any day and departure time →

More drives

San Mateo to Palo Alto (return trip) · Palo Alto to San Francisco · Palo Alto to Oakland · Palo Alto to San Jose · Palo Alto to Berkeley · Palo Alto to Walnut Creek · Palo Alto to Hayward · Palo Alto to Mountain View · Palo Alto to Pleasanton · Palo Alto to Santa Clara · Palo Alto to Richmond

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