Anaheim to Costa Mesa: How Long Does It Really Take to Drive?

Are you planning a trip from Anaheim to Costa Mesa, but can't decide which route is best? It's important to know how long each route takes so you can decide which one will suit your schedule best. In this post, we'll break down the drive time for the two fastest and slowest routes, and what traffic to expect at peak and low times.

Route 1: Fastest Option

The fastest route from Anaheim to Costa Mesa is via the I-5 S and CA-55 S. This route is about 12.5 miles long, and at low traffic times, it can take about 15 minutes to drive. During peak traffic, you can expect it to take around 40 minutes or more. This is often the most convenient route, but during rush hour it can be a bit tricky due to the volume of drivers on the road.

Route 2: Scenic way

If you are in no rush and want to enjoy the beautiful scenery, you might want to take the slower route via Harbor Blvd. and Adams Ave. It's slightly longer at about 14 miles difference from the previous route, but it offers a more scenic drive, especially on sunny days. The drive can take around 25 minutes during low traffic, but it can go up to 50 minutes during peak traffic.

Best Time To Drive

If you want to avoid traffic congestion, it's best to plan your drive either early in the morning or late in the evening, when traffic is at its lowest. Otherwise, if you have a flexible schedule, you could try to avoid the highways during peak times (morning and evening rush hours): weekdays between 5am-8am and between 3pm-7pm.

When to Avoid the Roads

If there are any events happening in Orange County, it's best to avoid the roads as much as possible. The reason is that traffic can become backed up and make the trip much longer. Check traffic reports regularly to determine if any events are happening along the route. If you're really stuck in traffic, you might want to use Google Maps or Waze to find an alternate route once you find an opportunity.

In conclusion, while the fastest route can be the most convenient during most times, if you want to enjoy the scenic views it may be worth it to travel a bit slower. Remember, the traffic patterns along these routes will differ depending on time, so it's best to plan accordingly to make the most out of your drive. Good luck!