Quickest route through California--N/S
 

We will be driving to NE Texas from NW California. We are just driving home after a two week vacation. We're not doing any more sightseeing--we just want the quickest route. From Sacramento, we don't know whether to take I-5 or Hwy 99. If they are similar roads but one is more scenic, that would be a plus. If one stops in every town, that would be a minus. Thanks for your help.

The quickest is I-5 -- it almost defines how traveller Charles Osgood noted that "Interstates allow you to travel from coast to coast without seeing anything."

Do you have to stop in lots of towns on Hwy 99? Is it more scenic and just a little slower?

Hwy 99 is awful. I-5 would be better and faster. However, if you are going to Texas I probably wouldn't take either. Instead, I'd drive through Nevada. Where are you starting from in NW California?

Hi Connie, In my opinion Hwy 99 is not my definition of scenic enough to warrant the extra time if your not interested in "doing anymore sightseeing and want the quickest route". To me it is much more than "just a little slower" with more "enter and exit" of traffic. Take I-5... we won't tell Charles Osgood.

I'm throwing in one more vote for I-5. To me, it always seems faster and more pleasant to drive than 99. Neither road is what one would call "scenic".

I-5 is the epitome of a boring drive but it's definitely the fastest (and it seems like no one drives slower than 80 mph) way. Stop in at the Harris Ranch for a good steak along the way (but hold your nose- it's a feedlot)

Thanks everyone--just the info I needed.

We drive up and down from Sacramento to LA regularly. I vote for I-99. It is less congested and in many sections has three lanes in each direction rather than two. Also, I don't know how you are getting over to Texas, but there is a very good highway that goes from Bakersfield over to Barstow and then to I15 and I40 that cuts out having to drive through LA.