We are leaving for SJ on 4/25 and American Air has cancelled two of our return flights on 5/3 and 5/2 - so far. We are now leaving a full day earlier than planned (on 5/2), but I figure we're lucky to even be traveling so I'm trying not to whine.

We now have to be at SJ airport at 11:30 for a 1:30 flight. We will be leaving Yosemite to drive directly there. From what I've read, I'm figuring a 4 hour drive. At that time of day on a Friday - any advice on which routes to take and any real traffic areas to watch out for? Appreciate any help. Will it take any longer than 4 hours?

It shouldn't take more than 4 hours, but it might, all depends on traffic in the Bay Area. From the Valley head for the Big Oak Flat entrance on Highway 120, in Oakdale stay on 120 to Manteca and catch I-205 to I=580 to Livermore and then the 680 to San Jose. Traffic should not be a problem at least until you get close to San Jose on the 680 that time of day.

4-4.5 hours sounds about right to get from Yosemite to San Jose, but as boom_boom alluded to, traffic gets slower the closer you get to the city. Sometimes it can take 40 minutes just to go 20 miles. It might better to stay in San Jose the night before your flight.

I would stay in San Jose the night before if at all possible for that early of a flight. I think it would be too stressful to have to make that long of a drive to catch a flight. Much more relaxing to just be in San Jose, get up in the morning, have a leisurely breakfast and go to the airport.

Agree with the previous posters, staying in San Jose the night before your flight is the best option given the distance from Yosemite to San Jose. Look at the following links for more information on places to stay or things to do in SJ.

www.sjdowntown.com

www.sanjose.org

www.siliconvalley.citysearch.com