San Francisco to Laredo, TX - I-40 vs I-10 ?

[Midwest Michael]

Choosing to take CA58 instead of the recommended CA46 from I5 to CA99 will take you through a very congested shopping area in Bakersfield, likely meaning some delays.

Choosing to take CA58 all the way to I40 and then US95 instead of cutting down US395/I15 to I10 as previously recommended ads nearly 50 miles to the trip.

So as GLC noted, if you don't mind adding more than an hour to your drive, there is nothing wrong with taking your proposed route over the one that was suggested here.

[delta9]

Choosing to take CA58 instead of the recommended CA46 from I5 to CA99 will take you through a very congested shopping area in Bakersfield, likely meaning some delays.

Thanks! I didn't know that

[glc]

Now - if you make this drive in off days/hours, you may be able to get away with taking I-5 all the way to I-210/CA-210 to I-10. With no significant traffic, this would save you at least half an hour because it's shorter. Most mapping programs will send you that way, but they don't take traffic into consideration.

Even though longer, I would most likely take CA-46/CA-99/CA-58/US-395/I-15/I-215/CA-210 to I-10 just to stay off the LA freeway insanity if nothing else. The only possible bottleneck here is I-15 over Cajon Pass on a Sunday afternoon/evening, with everyone returning to LA from a weekend in Vegas.

Taking AZ-85 to I-8 to avoid Phoenix would be a decent alternate, but it is longer.

[delta9]

I will be driving from San Francisco to Laredo, Tx. I've got my drive mapped out as far as El Paso where I will spend a night.

From El Paso it looks like the two possible routes are:
I-10 to Fort Stockton and then US 285 and US 90 to Laredo
I-10 to Sonora and then US 277 to TX 55 to US 83 to Laredo

According to Google Maps, the first route is a little shorter/faster. I'm just wondering which is the better road for drivability

Thanks in advance for any suggestions or comments

Moderator Note: Please keep all questions about the same trip in the same thread.

[DonnaR57]

Welcome to RTA!

I personally would lean toward the first route, simply because it involves interstates and US highways, which typically get maintained a little better. Also, if it's shorter, it means less time on the road.

My questions though ... when are you traveling, and hopefully you are planning to take at least 3 days to make this trip? At almost 1800 miles, it's not something you can do in 2 days. Where are you planning to make your first overnight? Also, another reason I ask about 'when" is because even southern routes like I-10 can become an issue if you hit a winter storm. They simply don't have the equipment available to deal with it quickly like those states in the northern areas.

Donna

[delta9]

Welcome to RTA!

My questions though ... when are you traveling, and hopefully you are planning to take at least 3 days to make this trip? At almost 1800 miles, it's not something you can do in 2 days. Where are you planning to make your first overnight? Also, another reason I ask about 'when" is because even southern routes like I-10 can become an issue if you hit a winter storm. They simply don't have the equipment available to deal with it quickly like those states in the northern areas.
Donna

Hi Donna,

We're doing the drive in late April so hopefully the weather won't be an issue. We will spend 3 days driving from San Francisco to Laredo - overnighting in Blythe, CA, El Paso, and then Laredo before crossing the border and driving 4 more days to our home in Merida. I'd like to make the drive more leisurely but we're traveling all our stuff and 3 cats...

[Rick Quinn]

It sounds like you've got your route pretty well mapped out--let us know how it goes with that border crossing. Out of curiosity, what route are you taking from Laredo to Merida? My last piece of advice would be to make very sure you stay well west of Mexico City and the State of Mexico. The police in that area are notorious for pulling over vehicles with foreign plates, and manufacturing infractions (which they'll happily dismiss if you pay the fine on the spot, in cash). "La mordida" (the bite) is a lot less common than it used to be, but I can tell you--from personal experience--that it's alive and well (and hungry) in the State of Mexico!

The fact that you're hauling down your pets and all your gear tells me your new life in the Yucatan is working out for you. Congratulations--and safe travels!

Rick

[delta9]

It sounds like you've got your route pretty well mapped out--let us know how it goes with that border crossing. Out of curiosity, what route are you taking from Laredo to Merida? My last piece of advice would be to make very sure you stay well west of Mexico City and the State of Mexico The police in that area are notorious for pulling over vehicles with foreign plates, and manufacturing infractions (which they'll happily dismiss if you pay the fine on the spot, in cash). "La mordida" (the bite) is a lot less common than it used to be, but I can tell you--from personal experience--that it's alive and well (and hungry) in the State of Mexico! .

From Laredo we will take the toll highways and overnight in Matehuala, Puebla, and Villahermosa. We're planning on taking the Arco Norte bypass around the eastern part Mexico City. I don't know of any routes that would take us west. I'm not worried about "La mordida" - the key is to not let the police intimidate you and insist for the ticket. Playing dumb and acting like you don't understand spanish also helps. If worse comes to worse, I can always call up my Mexican lawyer "to translate" :)

[Rick Quinn]

That'll work. If your chosen route does cross into the State of Mexico, even for a short distance, you should be aware of the "Hoy No Circula" regulations. In Mexico City and the surrounding State of Mexico, as part of their initiative to improve the abominable air quality, every vehicle must remain parked, off the road altogether, one day out of every week. The "off" day for a given vehicle is determined by the last digit of your license plate, and if you're caught driving on any public street or highway on your nominal "off" day, there are hefty fines. Tourists and vehicles with foreign plates are subject to this rule, the same as every local vehicle, and that gives the State Police a handy excuse to stop you. (That's what happened to me). To avoid trouble of that nature, you can get what's called a Pase Turistico, which gives you a 14 day exemption to the regulations. Apply in advance of your trip, online, or through the Mexican Consulate; just let them know your approximate travel dates.

Rick

[jm98]

Every-time I drive to Cali from North TX. I always think if they extend I70 all the way to US101 somewhere near San Jose CA area.. that could simplify road travel plans for many. That's extension is long due. We have technology to poke a 50 mile or so tunnel underneath Sierra Nevada mountain range if needed.