Commuting from the East Bay to Vacaville

Commuting to Vacaville from Berkeley

Nov 2003

Does anyone have any experience with commuting to Vacaville from Berkeley during regular business hours (8am-5pm). Are there better times then others? What's the Fairfield to Vacaville leg of the trip like? How long will it take (both directions)? Thanks for your help/suggestions. Leslie

I commute twice a month from Oakland (off 580 near Park Blvd) to Vacaville. I leave about 7:30am and it takes about an hour. The traffic flows well and slows at times but generally is ok. Although, it is a long drive, about 55 miles. I go home a different way so can't comment on the traffic in the afternoon. anon

Evening commute (starting as early as 3 or 4) is miserable! It can take up to 2 hours from Berkeley to Vacaville whereas mid day it only takes 50 minute or so. Fairfield to Vacaville is not so bad but getting into Fairfield at the 680 merge is a crazy backup. If youre closer to the Claremont part of town, 24 to 680 is easier than battling Berkely city traffic at any hour. Not too familiar with current morning commute trends. Happy commuting! I recommend books on tape

I travel to vacaville several times a month on business from Oakland. I leave oakland between 7:30 and 9:00 am and return around 4:00. It takes about an hour. It's a farily pleasant drive (compared to trying to get to san jose at the same time of day). The traffic issues are near Berekeley and Oakland. I take HWYs 24 to 680 to 80. In the fairfield /vacaville area you'll be traveling reverse commute (if your traveling from Vacaville in the afternoon to berkeley). The real traffic headache is heading TO vacaville after 2:00 pm on 680 or 80. Then you hit bad traffic. Also traveling from Vacaville to Berkeley on Saturady or sunday - HWY 80 near Vacaville and farifield is grindlocked.