What time on weekday mornings is traffic the worst on the 405fwy to LA?

Question

If I leave heading to LA at 8:30am, is it likely I'll be stuck in traffic for a long time? Are the carpool lanes just as bad?

Answer 1

It depends on where you're coming from and where you're going to.  As noted, traffic is pretty heavy on the 405 all morning.  If you're leaving, say, Orange County at 8:30, you'll probably catch quite a bit of traffic at least until you get north of the 101.  Coming the other way, you'll get lots of traffic almost all the way to LAX.  You may want to consider leaving later.

I'm a lifelong LA resident who avoids the 405 at all costs.

Answer 2

Rush hour is between 6AM and 9AM and 4PM and 7PM on weekdays. Try to avoid driving at these times. If you must, you may find relief using a carpool lane, although last week I ended up going slower than regular traffic in a carpool lane (WB SR-60@ SR-57)

Answer 3

Well, most carriers want you there about 2 hours early, and there is NO WAY you are going to avoid traffic tie ups unless you leave your home at 5AM, so why not leave at 6 and plan on a long leisurely breakfast at the terminal after checking in.

Answer 4

8:30 a.m. is about the worst time of day to be on the 405.  By 7 a.m. that freeway is already loaded from Orange County to the north end of the San Fernando Valley.  Car pool lanes move faster until you get to the end of the HOV lane and have to merge with the rest of the masses.