On the Road: How Long Does It Take to Drive from (Old) Ottawa to Boston?

Have you ever wondered how much time it would take to drive from (Old) Ottawa to Boston? Well, buckle up, because we’re about to take a road trip! With different routes and varying traffic patterns, the time it takes to reach your destination can vary greatly. So, to help you plan your journey, we’ve broken down the fastest and slowest routes, the distance of each route, and the driving time based on peak traffic and low traffic periods.

The Fastest Route

The quickest route from (Old) Ottawa to Boston is to take the ON-401 E and cross the border at the Thousand Islands Bridge. From there, you can take the I-81 S to the I-90 E until you reach Boston. The total distance for this route is approximately 780 km, and during low traffic periods, it can take around 8 hours to reach your destination. However, during peak traffic, such as holidays or rush hour, driving time could take up to 11 hours.

The Slowest Route

The most leisurely route would be to take the Ontario-416 S and then the NY-37 E. From here, you would cross the border at the Fort Covington/ Dundee crossing and take the US-7 S until you reach Boston. This scenic route spans roughly 900 km, and you could expect to drive for over 10 hours during good traffic conditions. During peak periods, the driving time could stretch up to 13 hours, not to mention the possibility of getting stuck in bad weather or traffic.

Other Options

You could also opt for routes that fall somewhere between the fastest and slowest options. For instance, you could take the 81 S to Scranton, then cross over to the I-84E, and drive through Hartford until you reach Boston. This route spans approximately 840 km, and you could expect to drive for about 9 hours under normal traffic conditions. During peak traffic, plan for this journey to take up to 12 hours.

Another option is to travel through New York City, taking the ON-401 E and crossing the border at the Rainbow Bridge. You’ll then follow the I-290 E and merge onto the I-90 E until you reach Boston. This journey covers about 900 km, and driving time during good traffic conditions can take up to 9 hours. During peak traffic periods, be prepared for the journey to take 11 hours (or even longer).

Final Thoughts

When planning a long road trip, it’s essential to factor in driving times for different routes and prepare for different scenarios. Consider packing snacks, a first aid kit, extra clothes and blankets, just in case. Don’t forget, each of these routes offers stunning views and beautiful rest stops, so take your time and marvel at the scenery. Safe travels!