Just scoping visit to Best Show on Tracks and am flying out of LA. I had thought i would fly to LA, but looking at the map, the drive looks like 500kms.
Probably be more enjoyable for a Kiwi, than mucking around at airports.

What are the logistics of driving between Sacramento and LA?? Can some one share their local knowledge. Whats the traffic volume like? Is it an option to do the coast road thru Monterey or is Road 5 the best option?

Would probably be staying on the Anaheim side of LA.

Any advice appreciated

Any reason that you're not flying into San Francisco ??? much shorter drive to Sacramento.....
As far as driving from the LA area: Interstate 5 is the most direct route with the least chance of getting lost,and is the route I would use. It is less scenic than the coast route ( hwy 1 ) but you have more certainity of getting to your destination on time. Traffic move right along except during commute hours in the metropolitain areas.

I-5 is a straight shot down from Sacramento to Los Angeles in a little over 7 hours drive. 5 also runs by Anaheim, south of LA.

Another option is to take the 99 south for most of the northern stretch, which roughly parallels the 5 and merges into it south of Bakersfield. Both are two and three-lane freeways.

Or cut across to the 101 well south of San Francisco. That's a prettier drive than either the 5 or 99, and will only add a couple of hours to your route south. I'd advise NOT trying to navigate the 101 through SF, as this can be slow, crowded and confusing.

Coast Highway 1 is definitely a scenic highway, but can add up to a day driving time because portions are on ordinary streets through towns where you encounter slow speed limits, stop signals and traffic congestion.

Freeway traffic through the Los Angeles and San Francisco areas is horrible. Rush-hour slowdowns can double or triple the normal driving time between two points.

LAX is a zoo of an airport and to be safe, always allow an hour or two extra for long lines, delays and other unexpected frustrations.


- Richard

Why not fly to Sacramento? Only about 15 or 20 minutes from "Best Show on Tracks"!
Frank

I live in Bakersfield, which is about one and a half hours north of Los Angeles airport. The show is about a five hour drive north of my house.

I enjoy the drive up I-5, it is more open farm ground and I think more interesting stuff to see. City people consider it very boring, because there are very few towns.

Highway 99, on the other hand, is about three miles further to get to Sacramento, but goes almost entirely through cities and towns. Because of that, the traffic is somewhat busier and it takes longer to drive.

On I-5 the people tend to drive 75 miles per hour or faster and there is almost never a backup. On 99, they tend to drive between 55 miles per hour and 75 miles per hour.

Another friend from Australia is flying into Los Angeles on June 10th for the show and leaving July 10th. I am picking him up and dropping him off at LAX, and he is going to help us with the show.

We have plenty of room to stay at our house and a small separate apartment that can be used, too. It makes a nice break in the drive to and from LAX to stay overnight. If you would like to stay with us, or have us pick you up and drop you off at the airport, send me a message, email or call me.

My email is <a href="This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it." target="_blank">This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., my cell phone is (661) 343-3691. We would enjoy the company and be happy to pick you up and drop you off if you would like, or just to have you stay for a night or two.

We will be taking an RD7, DW10, Highcrop 10, 30 and D4 to the show. We will also be hauling a very nice sixty for a friend, so there should be plenty to see and drive, if you would like.

Pete.