Road Tripping from Burbank to Phoenix: Our Transit Guide
Do you love driving as much as we do? Are you planning a road trip from Burbank, California to Phoenix, Arizona? If so, we've got you covered on everything you need to know! This post will highlight the fastest and slowest routes, provide distance measurements, the expected time it takes based on traffic patterns, and calculate the driving time for peak and low traffic times.
The Fastest and Slowest Routes
The fastest route is via I-10 E, which is approximately 370 miles and takes roughly 5.5 to 6 hours. However, if you're looking for a sightseeing journey and some much-needed rest stops, we suggest taking the slower but scenic route via US-101 N and I-5 N. In this route, you'll travel approximately 470 miles, but it's worth the drive because you'll get to see gorgeous coastlines and hillside vineyards.
Distance and Time Calculations
While I-10 E is the quickest route, it can be the busiest and most loaded with traffic, especially during rush hour. From Burbank to Phoenix, the distances between each popular rest stop are as follows:
- Burbank to Glendale: 6.8 miles / 15 minutes
- Glendale to Pomona: 50 miles / 45 minutes
- Pomona to Cabazon: 43 miles / 50 minutes
- Cabazon to Blythe: 98 miles / 1 hour 25 minutes
- Blythe to Gila Bend: 113 miles / 1 hour 35 minutes
Based on Google Maps, regular traffic patterns have the travel time from Burbank to Phoenix via I-10 E at around 5.5 hours. But during the peak traffic times, it can be from 6.5 - 7 hours.
The US-101 N and I-5 N route might take a bit longer, but it can be a more enjoyable drive due to the scenic view. This route has the following distances:
- Burbank to Thousand Oaks: 41.6 miles / 53 minutes
- Thousand Oaks to Pismo Beach: 133.9 miles / 2 hours 19 minutes
- Pismo Beach to Santa Cruz: 151.8 miles / 2 hours 36 minutes
- Santa Cruz to San Francisco: 73.7 miles / 1 hour 20 minutes
- San Francisco to Sacramento: 89.7 miles / 1 hour 30 minutes
- Sacramento to North Sacramento 23.7 miles / 30 minutes
- North Sacramento to Redding: 168.1 miles / 2 hours 47 minutes
- Redding to Yreka: 45.9 miles / 50 minutes
- Yreka to Medford: 27 miles / 24 minutes
- Medford to Klamath Falls: 67.1 miles / 1 hour 11 minutes
- Klamath Falls to Bly: 26 miles / 27 minutes
- Bly to Klamath Agency: 25.1 miles / 28 minutes
- Klamath Agency to Flagstaff: 303.9 miles / 4 hours 56 minutes
- Flagstaff to Phoenix: 147.4 miles / 2 hours 18 minutes
In peak traffic on the US-101 N and I-5 N route, it can be six hours, while outside of peak traffic, it could take around eight hours.
Options for Different Routes
Aside from the two primary routes mentioned above, there are other options for you to explore. You can take the route via I-40E and I-17S. This route is 522 miles long and will take you approximately eight hours. Another route is via I-40E and AZ-89S, which will take approximately 10 hours.
All in all, the distance and time for the trip from Burbank, California to Phoenix, Arizona depends heavily on traffic conditions and which route you choose. It's best to choose a route that you feel comfortable with and ready to embark on, keeping traffic patterns in mind. So pack your bags and buckle up for your adventure!