This isn't a fun vacation question, but I need the info. A relative is hospitalized in Santa Barbara, and I need to get from the Burbank Airport to Santa Barbara and back with the injured relative in tow. Mapquest routes me to US 101 for most of the way and says the trip should take approximately 1 1/2 hours. I'll likely be arriving on Friday morning (1/6/06) around 10 a.m. and hopefully will be leaving either Saturday or Sunday afternoon. I know traffic can be horrible. Is this driving-time estimate realistic? Are there good (quicker, easier, less likely to experience delays, etc.) alternative routes, especially for the return trip when I need everything to go as smoothly as possible? Thanks for any help!

Hi Verbena,
It should take an hour and a half with no traffic. On Friday morning, you should be fine, but avoid driving back on Sunday afternoon. It can be a nightmare.
There's no other alternative route.
Good luck!

I'd allow 2 hours for airport to destination on Fri morning...though car pickup in Burbank is a cinch. Only tricky part is as you get onto the 101 Northbound in Burbank...you have to merge all the way to the left almost immediately so keep that in mind. Otherwise you will fork off to the 170 North.

Returning to Burbank airport, as you are getting close to Burbank...you have to merge all the way to the left again and follow signs for 134 Glendale rather than 101 Hollywood, then once the 134 branches off to the left, you have to stay in your right lanes and get off at Pass Avenue. (I don't think Hollywood Way, which goes to the airport, has an exit on the 101 on the way back).

Turn left on Pass, right on Oak or Verdugo, then left onto Hollywood Way. You'll pass a gas station where you can fill up the rental car.

I don't think traffic is bad from Santa Barbara to Burbank this time of year, you might hit some minor snarls but as long as you stay away from the 4pm to 7pm timeslot on Sunday afternoon, 2 hours is still a good estimate. And check-in is pretty easy in Burbank so one hour before flight is sufficient.

Thanks so much to both of you for taking time to answer my questions! Your info will be really helpful!!

Pay close attention to joesorce's instructions on your return trip back to the airport. The airport is not right off the freeway and I get lost every time I approach it from that direction. I don't think it is very clearly marked and I always think I should be turning the other direction.

I would plan for two hours just to be safe.
Good luck!

I agree with ltr's suggestion of allowing 2 hours. All it takes is one fender-bender between Ventura and S.B. (or rain anywhere along the route) to add another 30 minutes.