Traffic Predict

Best Time to Drive from San Mateo to Palo Alto

Right now (9:01 am PDT): about 16 minutes via US-101 South, usually 16 at this time.

On weekdays the 16-mile drive from San Mateo to Palo Alto (via US-101 South) usually takes as little as 15 minutes and up to 25 minutes, when leaving around 8:30 am on Wednesdays. The fastest times to leave are before 7:30 am or after 6:30 pm. Midday (11 am to 2 pm) it takes about 17 minutes. On weekends it is slowest around 3:30 pm on Saturdays (17 minutes).

Typical drive time by departure time

Minutes from San Mateo to Palo Alto by day and time you leave (local time)
Leave5am6am7am8am9am10am11am12pm1pm2pm3pm4pm5pm6pm7pm8pm9pm
Mon1516162020171716171717171816161616
Tue1516172224191717171717201817161616
Wed1516172324191717171717191917161616
Thu1516172424191716171617201917161615
Fri1516161818171717171717181717171616
Sat1616151616161616161616161616161616
Sun1515151516161616161616161616161616

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 San Mateo to Palo Alto?

On weekdays, leave before 7:30 am or after 6:30 pm. The drive usually takes about 15 minutes then, versus up to 25 minutes at the worst times.

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

The 16-mile drive usually takes 15 to 25 minutes on weekdays, depending on when you leave, and about 17 minutes midday.

When is traffic worst from San Mateo to Palo Alto?

Leaving around 8:30 am on Wednesdays is usually slowest, about 25 minutes.

Estimate this drive for any day and departure time →

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