Thinking about moving to Yorba Linda but worried about the daily drive? You are not alone. Many residents split their commute between the SR-91 and SR-241, each with different costs, rules, and benefits. In this guide, you will learn how both corridors work, when to consider toll options, what projects are coming, and the transit alternatives that can help you plan smarter. Let’s dive in.
Yorba Linda commute at a glance
Yorba Linda sits near the crossroads of SR-91 and SR-241, which makes commuting west toward central and south Orange County or east toward the Inland Empire straightforward. The city’s average one-way commute is about 40 minutes, according to a local summary of census data. See the overview of Yorba Linda’s commute profile.
SR-91: what to know
General lanes vs. 91 Express Lanes
SR-91 offers general-purpose lanes and the 91 Express Lanes in the median. The Express Lanes use variable pricing to manage congestion and require a FasTrak transponder for payment. You can enter and exit only at signed access points, and prices are posted before each entry. Learn more about how the facility works on the OCTA 91 Express Lanes overview.
Carpool rules and FasTrak settings
Carpools that meet the HOV 3 plus requirement can receive toll discounts or free travel during many time periods. To qualify, you must have a properly set FasTrak transponder and use the carpool entry at toll points. Peak period exceptions apply, so review the current 91 Express Lanes toll policies and HOV rules.
SR-241: what to know
How the Toll Roads fit your route
SR-241 is part of The Toll Roads system and connects the SR-91 area to south Orange County, with links toward SR-133, SR-261, and SR-73. All tolling is electronic. You can use FasTrak, or pay online shortly after your trip if you do not have an account. To estimate your cost for your specific entry and exit, use The Toll Roads toll calculator.
Estimating daily and monthly costs
- Map your exact entry and exit, then run a peak and off-peak estimate in the calculator.
- If you commute both directions five days a week, multiply your one-way cost by 2, then by your workdays per month.
- Compare that total to your time saved in the Express Lanes on SR-91 to decide when paying a toll makes sense.
Time vs. money: choose your strategy
- Heading west toward Anaheim or Irvine: Use SR-91 general lanes off-peak. During heavy peaks, consider the 91 Express Lanes for a more reliable travel time.
- Heading south to the Irvine Spectrum or coastal corridors: SR-241 can bypass surface traffic and some freeway chokepoints. Weigh the toll against your schedule needs.
- Carpooling: If you regularly ride with two others, the HOV 3 plus policy on the 91 Express Lanes can lower or eliminate tolls at many times. Confirm current rules before you go.
- Hybrid work: If you are in the office a few days a week, you may choose toll routes only on your earliest or latest commute days to balance cost and predictability.
- Real-time tools: Check live navigation and official sources before you leave, especially during construction or incidents.
What is changing on the 91 and 241
241 to 91 Express Lanes connector
There is currently no direct median-to-median connector between SR-241 and the 91 Express Lanes. A planned tolled connector has cleared key environmental milestones, with a Notice of Determination posted in April 2025. See the project record on CEQA’s database and the TCA capital program page for status updates and timelines.
SR-91 Improvement Project
OCTA and Caltrans have launched a multi-year improvement effort on SR-91 between SR-57 and SR-55 to modernize interchanges and improve operations. Expect evolving construction impacts and detours as work progresses. Read the latest details in the OCTA project update.
Transit and car-light options
OC Bus connections
Local OC Bus service links Yorba Linda to nearby job and rail hubs. Routes include connections toward Fullerton, which is a gateway to Metrolink and Amtrak. For current routes and frequencies, check the OCTA Bus Book and schedules.
Metrolink access via nearby stations
Yorba Linda does not have a Metrolink station within city limits. The closest options are typically Fullerton and Anaheim, which you can reach by bus, rideshare, or park-and-ride. See the regional station list on Metrolink’s stations page.
Senior mobility
If you are planning for aging-in-place or supporting a senior move, Yorba Linda’s TRAILS program provides local mobility resources. Learn what is available on the city’s Senior Mobility page.
Test-drive your commute before you move
- Do a trial run during your expected peak time, both directions.
- Try the 91 Express Lanes once to compare reliability and time saved.
- Use The Toll Roads calculator to build a monthly toll budget for SR-241.
- Check project pages for any short-term construction that could affect your ramps or merge points.
Planning a move is easier when you can picture the daily drive. If you want neighborhood-level advice, relocation planning, and a personalized home search that fits your commute, reach out to Casa Bella Realty Group. Our family-led team knows the corridors, the timelines, and the tradeoffs that help you decide with confidence.
FAQs
How long is the typical Yorba Linda commute?
- Local summaries of census data put the average one-way commute around 40 minutes for Yorba Linda residents, though live traffic and route choice can change your day-to-day time.
Are 91 Express Lanes free for carpools?
- Carpools that meet HOV 3 plus can receive discounts or free travel at many times, but you must have a properly set FasTrak transponder and use the carpool entry; peak exceptions apply per current policy.
Is there a direct connection from SR-241 to the 91 Express Lanes?
- Not yet; today SR-241 connects to SR-91 general lanes, and a tolled median-to-median connector is planned and moving through design and pre-construction steps.
How do I estimate toll costs on SR-241?
- Use The Toll Roads online calculator with your exact entry and exit and check both peak and off-peak windows to build a realistic monthly estimate.
What construction could affect my SR-91 commute?
- The SR-91 Improvement Project between SR-57 and SR-55 is a multi-year effort, so watch official updates for ramp, lane, and timing changes.
What transit options serve Yorba Linda commuters?
- OC Bus routes connect to rail at stations like Fullerton and Anaheim, and many riders use a park-and-ride plus Metrolink strategy for longer trips to job centers.
