Driving Time between Anaheim, California and Oakland, California

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Top Speeds and Slow Crawls: Driving from Anaheim to Oakland

The state of California has many iconic destinations, and if you plan to go from Anaheim to Oakland, you’re in for a great adventure. You can expect spectacular views and different driving speeds, depending on your route and starting time.

California Dreams: The Fastest Routes

There are several ways to get to Oakland from Anaheim, depending on your priorities. If you want to take the fastest road, you’ll need to travel for a little over five hours. On average, this drive takes around 6 hours and 30 minutes due to heavy traffic.

Here are the fastest alternatives:

  • I-5 N: The I-5 is the quickest road that connects Southern California to the Bay Area. If you’re starting from Anaheim, you’ll need to take the ramp onto this highway and travel 405 miles to Oakland.
  • CA-99 N and I-580 W: This route takes about 6 hours and 10 minutes, and the distance is about the same as the I-5 N.

The Scenic Route: The Slowest But Most Exciting Way

If you want to enjoy the road trip experience at your own pace while soaking in breathtaking sights, taking a scenic route is a better bet.

  • Highway 1: Also called the Pacific Coast Highway, Highway 1 takes longer because it’s a coastal road with many stops. But it's worth your time. The 727-mile scenic route leads you through mountains, waterfalls, dunes, monasteries, and secluded beaches.
  • Yosemite National Park: Yosemite is one of the most stunning places in the world, and it’s not difficult to see why. You can take Highway 99 to CA-120 E and go through Merced County, a beautiful landscape with Georgian architecture, farmland, and mountains.

Rush Hour Traffic: How Long Will It Take?

If you’re driving from Anaheim to Oakland during rush hour, it could add several hours to your drive, depending on the route. Here are the estimated times based on current traffic patterns:

  • I-5 N: 7 hours and 15 minutes
  • CA-99 N and I-580 W 7 hours and 20 minutes
  • Highway 1: 12 hours and 50 minutes
  • Yosemite: 11 hours and 35 minutes

The best time to start your drive is before 6 a.m. or after 8 p.m. on weekdays. If you’re driving on weekends or holidays, traffic could be lighter throughout the day.

Driving from Anaheim to Oakland can be quick or lengthy depending on your mood, starting time, and choice of route. Use the information in this article to choose the driving experience that best suits your needs. Happy driving!