How Bad Is Oakland Traffic?

Oakland’s uncoordinated roadways and narrow design make traffic a nuisance at times, but overall, driving in Oakland is manageable.
Written by Jacqulyn Graber
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
While the Bay Area isn’t famed as the absolute worst traffic city in California, Oakland drivers cite the city’s small and narrow layout and lack of freeways as causes of the occasional traffic jam.
Oakland, California is the largest city in the East Bay region and the third-largest city in the San Francisco Bay Area. Home to a magnificent lake, the city hosts many sought-after public performances by the Oakland Symphony Orchestra and Oakland Civic Ballet. 
Fortunately, Oakland isn’t known to have particularly bad traffic, but drivers still suffer from the occasional jam. We're here to break down all the details. We’ll share relevant statistics, discuss how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected driving trends, and provide tips for navigating Oakland roads.
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How bad is Oakland traffic?

According to
TomTom
’s traffic analysis,
San Francisco
and the surrounding Bay Area qualifies as the fifth-highest traffic city in the country. Oakland’s population density is relatively low, but that doesn’t mean traffic is always easy to avoid.
Traffic rates dropped significantly between 2019 and 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic but began to rise slightly in 2021 as drivers returned to the office and regular commutes.
Take a look at how the pandemic has affected traffic in the Bay Area:
Year
Hours lost to congestion
2019
147 hours
2020
83 hours
2021
88 hours

Why is Oakland traffic so bad?

There are a variety of factors that contribute to a city’s traffic patterns, including population, density, the quality of infrastructure, and the driving habits of residents. Here’s why Oakland traffic can get a bit dicey:

Population size 

Oakland itself only has about 450,000 residents—which doesn’t seem too big. However, the San Francisco Bay Area is home to around 8 million residents, all of whom move in and out of the major cities for work and pleasure.

Major chokepoints

It’s rare to see too much traffic in downtown Oakland, but the surrounding freeways—880, 580, 24, and 13—get backed up during rush hour. Approaching the Bay Bridge in the morning can also be a hassle. The design of some major roadways in the city, including International Boulevard, also contributes to congestion. 

Driving habits

The average driver in Oakland spends 31.8 minutes commuting one way to work, which is considerably longer than the country’s average of 26.4 minutes. This is, in part, because many Oakland drivers commute around the Bay Area for work and school.
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How to navigate Oakland traffic like a pro

Traffic isn’t just a nuisance—it also increases the rate of traffic accidents. Even minor
fender benders
can cause your car insurance rates to skyrocket. 
Fortunately, there are ways to avoid the worst of Oakland’s traffic and keep your car (and your wallet) free from damage. Follow these tips every time you get behind the wheel:
  • Do your best to avoid rush hour, especially on major highways. Generally, rush hour in the Bay Area is between 7:00 am and 9:00 am in the morning and 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm in the evening, with the very worst conditions occurring on Thursdays and Fridays between 5:00 pm and 6:00 pm. 
  • Stay off major highways and take back roads when possible. Major freeways might seem like the quickest and most convenient way around, but if they’re plagued with heavy traffic you could get easily caught in a jam. Even downtown surface streets are far less congested. 
  • Choose to carpool or take public transportation. The best way to avoid traffic is to ensure that you do not contribute to it. Oakland has a
    reliable public transportation network
    that services the entire Bay Area.
  • Stay connected via your car’s radio and traffic apps to receive traffic warnings. 106.9 FM and 740 AM provide listeners with real-time traffic updates, while your favorite maps app on iPhone and Android can provide information about accidents, construction, and more.
  • Never lose focus. Being surrounded by traffic means you’re at risk of rear-ending the car in front of you, or even worse. Avoiding distractions like texting, eating, loud music, and more is essential.

Prepare for Oakland traffic by updating your car insurance

When driving around Oakland, the best way to make sure traffic doesn’t get the best of you is an updated car insurance policy to ensure you’re covered in any traffic-induced accident. 
If you want to save money on car insurance, the
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FAQs

While Oakland isn’t as terrible to drive in as some nearby Californian cities, the city’s narrow design and relative lack of highways can cause some back ups, especially during rush hour. To ensure you know your way around, always use your favorite maps app and stay alert.
Avoid rush hour by commuting before 8:00 am, around lunchtime, or after 6:00 pm.
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