Traffic Predict

Best Time to Drive from Palo Alto to SJC

Right now (10:01 am PDT): about 16 minutes via US-101 South, usually 16 at this time.

On weekdays the 15-mile drive from Palo Alto to SJC (via US-101 South) usually takes as little as 16 minutes and up to 35 minutes, when leaving around 5 pm on Wednesdays. The fastest times to leave are before 8:30 am or after 8 pm. Midday (11 am to 2 pm) it takes about 18 minutes. On weekends it is slowest around 4 pm on Saturdays (17 minutes).

⇄ Reverse trip: SJC to Palo Alto

Drive times are measured from central Palo Alto (Middlefield Road) to San José Mineta International Airport (SJC) along the route shown. Starting or ending elsewhere in a big city can add or save several minutes.

Typical drive time by departure time

Minutes from Palo Alto to SJC by day and time you leave (local time)
Leave5am6am7am8am9am10am11am12pm1pm2pm3pm4pm5pm6pm7pm8pm9pm
Mon1616161718181717171821212119171716
Tue1616161719191818181926283329201716
Wed1616161719181818181926283529201716
Thu1616161718181717181926273328201716
Fri1616161718171717181923232219181716
Sat1616161616161717171717171717171716
Sun1616161616161717171717171717171716

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 SJC?

On weekdays, leave before 8:30 am or after 8 pm. The drive usually takes about 16 minutes then, versus up to 35 minutes at the worst times.

How long does it take to drive from Palo Alto to SJC?

The 15-mile drive usually takes 16 to 35 minutes on weekdays, depending on when you leave, and about 18 minutes midday.

When is traffic worst from Palo Alto to SJC?

Leaving around 5 pm on Wednesdays is usually slowest, about 35 minutes.

Estimate this drive for any day and departure time →

More drives

SJC 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 San Mateo · 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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