Which is the fastest and most reliable route from Sonoma to SFO on a Monday morning (we have to be at SFO at 11:00 a.m.)? Thank you for your reply.

I live in the Bay Area and have driven to Sonoma quite a number of times. I would say the best route is still through Hwy37/121/101 south/Golden Gate Bridge because the alternative round-about way through FWY 80 /Carquinez bridge/Berkeley-Oakland interchange & Oakland Bridge would be just as jammed if it's on a weekday morning. On weekends I would still take 101 south because it's more scenic and direct. Hopefully you'll get an answer from a Sonoma resident to confirm what I'm telling you.

Thank you, DAX. This is exactly the kind of information I need. How much time should we add for traffic congestions? The route planner says 1:16 (without congestion).

I would not take 101 South through SF to the airport as it involves too many surface streets. I would suggest taking the 19th Ave exit and staying on it to connect to 280, then taking 380 across to SFO.

I agree with SAB. If you have to return a car at SFO, I would get a VERY early start.

Stu Dudley

Thank you so far. I think, the route is clear now.

Last question: When shall we start in Sonoma (we are actually staying in Kenwood)?

Our transatlantic flight departs at 1:44 p.m. out of SFO and we have to drop our rental car at the airport.

I think getting there at 11 is a good target. It should take about 1 hr 20 mins- with regular traffic, which would have you leaving Sonoma around 9:30am (give or take). Unfortunately I don't know if that will be the case on a Monday am as I don't commute from the North Bay. I believe you should miss Monday morning traffic because fortunately you will be leaving Sonoma past peak commute time.

I agree with other posters, I was going to suggest taking 19th street south to 280 and 380 as well. I would assume your hotel would suggest that route to go to Sonoma/Kenwood from the airport in the first place. Sounds like a real Feinschmeckerei getaway, enjoy Sonoma.

By the way I would appreciate it if you can help me with my question on Maremoto in Berlin. I believe you've been there,perhaps you can share/rate your experience. Was it a really delicious blending of taste that makes the meal special or was it more the simple novelty of molecular cuisine that impressed you? You can find the appropriate thread through my poster name.

You might consider staying at one of the hotels near SFO the night before your flight. Traffic into SF from the North Bay can be a real bear even after 9:30 am. I wouldn't risk an accident along the route or bad weather causing a traffic back-up that could lead to anxious moments regarding catching your flight.

Once past the Golden Gate toll booth and taking the first right through the Presidio, stick to the left lane as Presidio drive and 19th Ave. have no left turns until Commodore Sloat. Once you see the big shopping center on your right (you will have street car tracks on your left), move toward the center lane and then the right lane after SFSU (it will be obvious) because you will have to go right to get on 280.

Slight correction to Michael's post. Take the SECOND right past the toll both. It's marked as 19th ave. The first right is about 5 yards past the toll booth & it will place you on a small road called Merchant Rd which connects to Lincoln then 25th ave. Most people will not even notice this first right - you pretty much need to be in the right-most lane to make this turnoff.

Stu Dudley

Stu, I always wonder how many traffic lights are there along 19th Ave, it seems to be an endless number of them.

Just look at a map and count one light per intersection.

Well, there's pretty much one at every intersection, and the streets go in alphabetical order from I (Irving) to W (Wawona), and then the rest from Ocean to 280. So I can think of at least 20 lights and I'll bet there's more. And you'll stop at every single one unless you're able to go exactly 35 mph (I think).

Thank you, Fodorites. You are great as always. Some route planners suggested the route via Berkeley, but there seems to be a clear vote for the route via Golden Gate and 19th. We will find our way.

Still we need a little help how much time should we allow for congestions. The route planners say 1:40 driving time from Sonoma to SFO. This would mean starting around 9:20. Shall we start 30 min. earlier to be on the safe side?

Yes, we thought about staying overnight close to the airport. But this would mean, no wine tasting, not sleeping at this nice-looking hotel that we have booked (Kenwood Inn) and no dinner in Sonoma Valley...

And a special thank you for Stu - I just printed your fabulous San Francisco thread - 49 pages! It is a travel guide and, BTW, the very best I have ever read.

Thanks traveller1959

I would leave at 8:30 - the morning is wasted anyway - best to get started early.

Nobody mentioned waiting for the M-Ocean View on 19th.

If you head south on 19th, the lights seem to be timed better. For about the last 5 years, I've been taking Brotherhood/Sunset Blvd instead of 19th when going north. Fewer lights, less ugly commerce, and less traffic.

Stu Dudley

Thank you all. Now we have all information we need. We are looking forward to our trip to San Francisco, Monterey and Sonoma in two weeks!

DAX, I replied to your post on the Europe forum about Maremoto. Guten Appetit.

FWIW- Mr R5 commutes from Sonoma County via Hwy 101
4 days a week, so let me just add that he has noticed
considerably less traffic during the early crush hours
6-8 AM. He thinks it's due to the economy/layoffs.
He feels like he's driving now in a much lighter version of what he refers to as the Summertime Pattern-when school is out. I'd still vote with Stu on an 8:30 A leave time
from Kenwood.

R5

Traveller, you should consider a dinner at L'Auberge de Carmel while you're in Monterey.
www.laubergecarmel.com/dining.php

Or at their lesser bistro,Bouchee, their food used to be really great until it became second fiddle when L'Auberge opened. You still can't go wrong, the food is still enjoyable at Bouchee's lower price point.
www.boucheecarmel.com/