How is Pasadena/Burbank freeway and interstate driving?

Question

I’m going to be landing at the Burbank airport and getting a rental car to get to the Pasadena convention center at the end of May. It looks like I’ll be driving on the I-5 and then the Ventura Freeway. I’m a little worried about it because I don’t want to wreck a rental car or get tickets for trying to keep up with speeding traffic! I’ve heard that California traffic is bad and drivers are impatient and speed a lot. I will be renting a ford mustang (I am most familiar with them and own one) hopefully.

I am comfortable driving in denver traffic and on interstates over here so I don’t know if California driving is more intense or not.

Am I overreacting to how bad traffic is in Pasadena?

Answer

Driving in the Pasadena and Burbank areas can feel different from Denver, mostly due to traffic volume and driver behavior. Here’s a detailed breakdown to help you prepare:

The route from Burbank Airport to the Pasadena Convention Center typically involves getting on the I-5 south briefly, then transferring to the Ventura Freeway (134 east) or surface streets depending on your exact route. These freeways are well-maintained but can be busy, especially during weekday peak hours (roughly 7–10am and 4–7pm).

Some things to consider:

California drivers, particularly in Los Angeles County, are often more aggressive and impatient than in many other states. Lane changes, tailgating, and brisk merging are common.
Speed limits are posted (usually 65 mph on these freeways), but traffic often flows slightly above the limit. It’s possible to keep pace without exceeding the speed limit too much, but be aware that faster drivers may pass on the right.
Traffic volume can vary widely. Mid-morning or mid-afternoon might be manageable, but during peak commute times, slowdowns and stop-and-go traffic are normal.

Tips for a smoother drive:

Use a GPS app with live traffic updates (Google Maps or Waze) to find the fastest route and avoid sudden congestion.
Keep a safe following distance, as sudden braking is common.
Stay in the middle lanes when possible; the left lane tends to be for faster traffic and can feel aggressive, while the right lane can have merging and slower drivers.
Don’t feel pressured to keep up with everyone—staying calm and predictable is safer than trying to match local driving aggression.
Plan extra travel time (30–45 minutes buffer) so you’re not stressed about being late.

Overall, if you’re comfortable with Denver traffic and interstate driving, you’re not overreacting but you can handle it. California traffic may feel a bit more intense due to volume and driver habits, but with patience and defensive driving, it’s manageable. A Ford Mustang is perfectly fine—just stay alert and don’t let the car’s sporty nature tempt you into speeding.

How is Pasadena/Burbank freeway and interstate driving?

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