Traffic Predict

Best Time to Drive from SJC to Palo Alto

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

On weekdays the 16-mile drive from SJC to Palo Alto (via US-101 North) usually takes as little as 15 minutes and up to 27 minutes, when leaving around 8:30 am on Tuesdays. The fastest times to leave are before 6:30 am or after 7 pm. Midday (11 am to 2 pm) it takes about 17 minutes. On weekends it is slowest around 4:30 pm on Sundays (17 minutes).

⇄ Reverse trip: Palo Alto to SJC

Drive times are measured from San José Mineta International Airport (SJC) to central Palo Alto (Middlefield Road) 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 SJC to Palo Alto by day and time you leave (local time)
Leave5am6am7am8am9am10am11am12pm1pm2pm3pm4pm5pm6pm7pm8pm9pm
Mon1616182120181717171718181817161616
Tue1517192526211817171718191919171616
Wed1517192524201817171718191919171616
Thu1517192423201817171719192019171616
Fri1516182018171717171718171818161616
Sat1616161616161616161616161616161616
Sun1616161616161617171717171716161616

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 SJC to Palo Alto?

On weekdays, leave before 6:30 am or after 7 pm. The drive usually takes about 15 minutes then, versus up to 27 minutes at the worst times.

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

The 16-mile drive usually takes 15 to 27 minutes on weekdays, depending on when you leave, and about 17 minutes midday.

When is traffic worst from SJC to Palo Alto?

Leaving around 8:30 am on Tuesdays is usually slowest, about 27 minutes.

Estimate this drive for any day and departure time →

More drives

Palo Alto to SJC (return trip) · SJC to SFO · SJC to OAK · SJC to San Francisco · SJC to Oakland · SJC to Berkeley · SJC to Fremont · SJC to Walnut Creek · SJC to San Mateo · SJC to Hayward · SJC to Mountain View · SJC to Pleasanton

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