Commutes from Irvine/Laguna Beach to Placentia (Fullerton, Rancho Santa Margarita: home, to live in)

[Eeebyjeeby]

I was told that if I lived in Irvine or Laguna Beach, I would be wise to take the 133 (toll road), to the 241, to the 91 into Placentia. I would need to be at work by 7:30am and I would be leaving for the day at 5:30pm.

1. Is this a good route option? Also, about how long would that commute be to work and to home?

2. What type of commute time would I looking at if I took the 5, to the 55 from Laguna Beach to Placentia, and then took that same route home at 5:30pm?

Thank you in advance for any advice

[saibot]

You probably don't need the toll road in the morning. 5 to 55 should be OK. In the evening, the toll road will save you quite a bit of time.

My husband does a somewhat similar commute (Rancho Santa Margarita to Fullerton) at roughly the same times. It takes about 40-45 minutes in the morning and closer to an hour at night. I'd expect your drive to take at least 45 minutes, but if you could be more specific about locations, it would help. And keep in mind that getting to the 133 or 5 from Laguna Beach is likely going to take you longer than from Irvine.

[heartiste]

No need to take the toll, traffic usually is flowing south on 55 and 5 and it only starts to get bad at 7ish. Going north bound is usually never a problem. The only caveat is the 5 north until you get to the 55 junction is pretty backed up around 7-930 AM, but i cut across on side streets such as edinger based on where i live in south tustin/irvine border.

[Eeebyjeeby]

Well this has been very helpful! Thank you both! I have decided to live in Irvine, the commute is to Placentia. I'm going take back roads to the 55 in the morning and should be easy peasy! In the evening I will play it by ear, if the 55 or 57 is too backed up on a regular, I may end up taking the toll road home each day depending on the time savings. I heard that the 91 and the 233 area is backed up pretty bad at rush hour times, so I may be better off not paying the toll...time will tell Thanks again!

[heartiste]

You probably won't even have to take the tolls going south. I have left from Placentia at 5 and the only few minutes of traffic I encounter is usually getting onto the 91 to take the 55 south. The 55 is usually is not bad going south either.