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corgi-traveler's avatar
corgi-traveler
Explorer
May 20, 2019

580 /880 or 680 around SF bay

Coming through on a Sunday afternoon.
Leaving from just south of Carmel and heading to Petaluma. Routes take us US101 to San Jose, then 880 to 580 and over the Richmond Bridge, or we can divert to 680 and take the Benicia bridge then 37 across to pick up 101 NB.

Two questions... one, are there advantages/disadvantages to either bridge while towing a TT, and two, can we fit through the FasTrak lanes on either bridge?
Roads and Routes
  • corgi-traveler's avatar
    corgi-traveler
    Explorer
    May 21, 2019
    Thanks. I get really queasy going over GG in a passenger car, I think I'll pass on towing over it.
    My question about the FasTrak lanes was for the bridge tolls. Just easier to pop my Metro FasTrak into the TV for this trip and let it charge the tolls to that account. Coming through on a Sunday, the "express" lanes aren't really express lanes anyways.
  • haddy1's avatar
    haddy1
    Explorer
    May 20, 2019
    I have made the trip you describe many times. There are no "good" ways, but my choice is Northbound 280, 19th Ave, GG Bridge (free direction). Southbound, Richmond Bridge (free direction), 580, 880.
  • CA_Traveler's avatar
    CA_Traveler
    Explorer III
    May 20, 2019
    There are no good routes to traverse SF bay but on Sunday take your choice. With one exception: If there is a race at Sears Point then you don't want 37.

    I often take 101/280 and 19th Ave through SF. About 6 miles of city traffic but just stay in the middle lane. Never had any problems midday any day.

    The pros are: 280 is the best road and no tolls, 680 is further from the bay area.

    The cons are: 19th ave, Oakland/Berkley, Walnut Creek, Sears Point.

    I've used the FasTrak lanes, no problem, but they are definitely not "Fast" for me.

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