Navigating the Drive from Calabasas to Pasadena

Are you planning a trip from Calabasas to Pasadena and wondering how long it will take you to reach your destination? The answer is not straightforward as it depends on several factors such as time of day, traffic patterns, and the route you choose. In this post, we'll explore the different routes you can take and how long it takes to drive from Calabasas to Pasadena during peak and low traffic times.

Route Options

There are three main routes you can take when driving from Calabasas to Pasadena:

• The 101 South to the 134 East
• The Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) along the coast to the 10 East
• The 405 South to the 110 South

Fastest and Slowest Routes

The fastest route to take is the 101 South to the 134 East. Depending on traffic patterns, it can take anywhere from 35 to 60 minutes to arrive in Pasadena. The distance traveled on this route is approximately 32 miles.

The slowest route is the PCH. The PCH drive is beautiful but typically slower due to winding roads with lower speed limits. It takes longer but can be a highly rewarding drive due to stunning ocean views. This route covers approximately 44 miles and can take anywhere from 1 hour 15 minutes to 2 hours during peak traffic.

The 405 South to the 110 South is the middle ground of these three routes in terms of time and distance coverage. It covers about 35 miles and on average takes between 45 minutes to an hour and ten minutes during peak traffic.

Driving Time During Peak Traffic

If you leave Calabasas early in the morning, typically before 7:00 a.m., you can expect the drive to take around 35-45 minutes. However, if you leave later in the day during peak traffic hours such as 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., the drive can take over an hour. The commute is worst on Fridays and during holiday periods.

Driving Time During Low Traffic

If you leave Calabasas late at night or early in the morning outside of the peak traffic hours, the drive only takes about 30 minutes on average via the 101 South to the 134 East route. The PCH route could take around an hour to an hour and thirty minutes, while the 405 to 110 route takes around 40 minutes, depending on the time.

Final Thoughts

When traveling from Calabasas to Pasadena, there are several routes to choose from, each with different driving distances and times. The best approach to navigating the LA roads is to avoid peak traffic hours and plan the route that works best for the time you have to spend. Traffic in Los Angeles is notoriously unpredictable, so be sure to check traffic conditions before you hop behind the wheel.