Can I make it from San Clemente to Long Beach Airport in an hour?
My husband and I are flying out of Long Beach Airport on December 17th (a Wednesday) at 8:25PM. He works at Camp Pendleton and must wait until 4:30 to leave work. It takes him about 45 minutes to get home, and then we will leave almost immediately for the airport. So, at about 5:15 in the evening we will be going north to Long Beach. How bad will the traffic be? Should we take the 73 or stay on the 5 to the 405 the whole way? I’m worried that we won’t make it there in time. We have to be there no later than 7:00PM. What do you guys think who might be familiar with the traffic? Thanks!
I should also mention that we have to park in long-term parking, which is off-site. So, we will have to take a shuttle to the actual airport from the lot. That will probably add another 15 minutes. I am worried, but I think if we prepare, we can probably do it. I’m going to see if my husband can leave work any earlier, but it’s highly unlikely as 4:30 is the official time he has to check out on leave for this trip.
7 Responses
Muppet28 Feb 2010
Frank C28 Feb 2010
Pay the toll for the 73. The traffic will be as bad as it gets for the entire day. I think however, that you wold have just enough time unless there was a huge crash. If you could add half an hour, it would be much more certain.
chuckles95128 Feb 2010
Yes, take the 73. The 405 is just impossible that time of day.
And don’t waste a second. Make sure that as soon as he pulls in the driveway that he has a clear path for a quick run to the bathroom and then you climb into a pre-packed car and go. And stay tuned to AM 980 and AM1070 for traffic reports on the 1′s and 5′s respectively.
And while you are waiting for him, check http://www.sigalert.com.
Because if the 405 is blocked between the 55 ans 605, you take an alternate route. Which is exiting the 73 onto the 55 southbound to get to PCH and go up PCH.
TheFlowerLady28 Feb 2010
I don’t think you’ll make it. 99.999% of the time that period of time on any freeway in Orange/Los Angeles counties is a parking lot.
Peedlepup28 Feb 2010
It will be close as far as the time is concerned, but luckily for you LGB is a small airport, and you can quickly check in and be on your flight. It’s literally about 500 feet from the parking structure to your plane. You couldn’t do this at LAX.
I would go 5 to the 73, to the 405. It is the shorter of the two routes (46 miles) and at that time of day you are traveling in the opposite direction of most of the traffic. Once you get into Long Beach exit north on Lakewood Blvd, and the airport is just a few blocks up on the left. (Donald Douglas Drive)
Roaddogg28 Feb 2010
No, you couldn’t make the trip in an hour due to traffic and distance. One thing you may want to know just for Reference is that OCTA operates a direct bus between San Clemente & Long Beach for only $1.25 one way! The bus begins at El Camino Real & Christianitos road by the Carl’s Jr. From that point there is also a connecting bus which serves Camp Pendelton NCTD #395.Once in Long Beach the final stop is CSULB from which it is an easy connection to reach the Long Beach Airport on local Long Beach Transit buses. Best of luck!
gomanyes28 Feb 2010
No, you cannot get there in an hour, especially during the daytime. Don’t even attempt this, or you are going to cause an accident.
However, why do you need to be there by 7 PM? LGB is a very small airport. Allowing 15 minutes for security should be plenty.
I have made it in 45 minutes driving between 80-85 mph.
It was not during rush hour though, Usually it takes between 1.5 to 2 hours during rush hour. You can take the 73, but I don’t have much faith in the 405 once you have to get on it again.