I-5 or CA99?

[Normph]

Driving from Los Angeles to Sacramento. Which highway yields a smoother drive (pavement), I-5 or CA 99?

Thanx

[time2roll]

I take 5 if just passing through.
I always seem to get stuck in local rush hour traffic more on 99.

[Community Alumni]

I would go 99 all the way due to construction on I-5 north of stockton.

JimR

[Semi_Retired_Gr]

Two Hands wrote:
We travel I-5 a whole lot and the 99 every now and then. The I-5 is smoother and easier to drive, but has more traffic. The I-5 is not smooth at all in Stockton, it is downright rough.

A major understatement! Having driven the Alaska Highway a couple of times, I always tell people contemplating driving to Alaska that this piece of I-5 is worse than almost anything they'll find along that route - or any other I've driven anywhere in the western U.S. Drove thru there once again a couple of months ago (only to avoid snow on other routes!) and once again swore never again.

[msmith1199]

Billinwoodland wrote:
I live north of Sacto. If going south beyond Bakersfield, I take 5. I remember when there were just a few stations on I5. Plenty of stops now. One issue with 99 is all of the side roads which cross the freeway and merge onto the highway. In the winter, fog is much worse on 99 then 5.

When was the last time you were on 99? There is only one very small stretch of 99 just South of Merced that has cross traffic. I think it's maybe a few mile stretch and I've been through it hundreds of times without a problem.

[Billinwoodland]

I live north of Sacto. If going south beyond Bakersfield, I take 5. I remember when there were just a few stations on I5. Plenty of stops now. One issue with 99 is all of the side roads which cross the freeway and merge onto the highway. In the winter, fog is much worse on 99 then 5.

[msmith1199]

phredsee wrote:
Unless you're looking to shake down your ride and a few years off its' life, do yourself a HUGE favor and don't take either one.

I ALWAYS, ALWAYS take 126 west to Ventura, then the 101 North and when you get near the south bay area, you have several options to cut over. Advantages are scenery, cooler temps in the summer, smoother roads and pure enjoyment! Of course this comes with extra fuel costs and additional time to drive it but as the saying goes, it's not just the destination it should always include the journey!

A LOT of extra time. Over 100 miles further that way.

[emorris548]

I've driven both depending on destination and time of day being traveled. Be aware that 99 has a lot of commuter traffic; Bakersfield, Merced, Fresno and Modesto. In Stockton both are packed. On 99 watch for "truck ok" lanes in larger cities.

[Executive45]

coolcity wrote:

msmith1199 wrote:

coolcity wrote:

msmith1199 wrote:
Harris Ranch is good, but I wouldn't do I-5 just for it. There's plenty of places along 99 too. I like the McDonald's in Chowchilla myself. 🙂

Pretty tough to compare Harris ranch to a Mcdonalds resturant
In fact a bit insulting to harris ranch in my opinion
I found I5 ok but pretty dam rough in some areas north of bakersfield through to sacremento.Ok north of Sacremento

You're kidding?

no but after thinking about it I realized you were just trying to be funny. (prefering mcdonalds over harris ranch)

I thought it was a slap in the face to McDonalds....:B:B.my grandkids would rather eat at Mickey D's..just sayin....Dennis

[phredsee]

Unless you're looking to shake down your ride and a few years off its' life, do yourself a HUGE favor and don't take either one.

I ALWAYS, ALWAYS take 126 west to Ventura, then the 101 North and when you get near the south bay area, you have several options to cut over. Advantages are scenery, cooler temps in the summer, smoother roads and pure enjoyment! Of course this comes with extra fuel costs and additional time to drive it but as the saying goes, it's not just the destination it should always include the journey!

[Yellowboat_]

Went south on 99 in December and returned home on I5 in April. I didn't notice a big difference between the roads.

I don't know how far you travel in a day but there are a lot more RV Parks on 99. Not so many on I5.

Safe travels.

JD

[jake2250]

99 has the Mid State marker,, a Redwood northbound and a Palm southbound,, Madera still has the B-17 along the side.
5 is more direct and I feel it is faster,, also you have In and Out in Kettleman City and the Tri Tip sandwich at Harris Ranch warrants a stop..
99 runs you through the center of allot of small cities,, 5 you are way on the out skirts.
The base of the Grape Vine has some nice eateries,, and a few places to get out and walk....
Fort Tejon is a good tour,, and if you get a chance,, Find the Old Ridge Highway!! 7 mile detour Packed with old history of travel over the mountains...
5= brain dead fast!!
99= scenery slow!!
both have rough spots,, but from Modesto to sac,,99 is a NASCAR run!!! Jack Tone road and north seems to be a speedway..I usually take the 4 over to the 5 and it seems wider,, Although Elk Grove into downtown is no place to lolly gag either..

[mena661]

I5

[zekegb]

If 99 has been improved in recent years, I'm glad to hear about it. Last couple times I was on 99 it was one continuous rumble strip.

I-5 has been smoother and faster, but more desolate. If you are trying to get through the valley views and side trips are not required. And travelling in our motorhome we have everything we need anyway.

[coolcity]

msmith1199 wrote:

coolcity wrote:

msmith1199 wrote:
Harris Ranch is good, but I wouldn't do I-5 just for it. There's plenty of places along 99 too. I like the McDonald's in Chowchilla myself. 🙂

Pretty tough to compare Harris ranch to a Mcdonalds resturant
In fact a bit insulting to harris ranch in my opinion
I found I5 ok but pretty dam rough in some areas north of bakersfield through to sacremento.Ok north of Sacremento

You're kidding?

no but after thinking about it I realized you were just trying to be funny. (prefering mcdonalds over harris ranch)