Driving from (Old) Ottawa to Charlotte: A Road Trip Guide

Are you planning a road trip from (Old) Ottawa, Ontario to Charlotte, North Carolina? Great! Here's a guide with all the information you need to know about the time it takes to drive, the best and worst routes, and the traffic patterns.

The Fastest Route

The fastest route from Ottawa to Charlotte is via I-81 S and I-77 S. This route covers around 1,181 kilometers (734 miles) and takes approximately 14 hours and 23 minutes to drive without any stops. However, the actual driving time may vary depending on the traffic conditions.

If you leave early in the morning or late at night, you may encounter less traffic and make better time than during peak hours. Be sure to plan your travel time accordingly!

The Scenic Route

If you're looking for a relaxed, scenic journey, then you might instead try driving to Charlotte via I-95 S. This route covers a distance of around 1,566 kilometers (973 miles) and takes approximately 18 hours and 44 minutes to drive without any stops.

Although this route is longer, it offers more to explore, including some beautiful landscapes and interesting attractions along the way. But, just like the fastest route, remember to plan your travel time based on peak traffic hours, or you might find yourself stuck in traffic for much longer than anticipated.

Peak Traffic Times

When planning your road trip to Charlotte, it is essential to understand the peak traffic hours to adjust your time on the road. The busiest time to drive is around 5 - 7 pm on weekdays and around 10 am - 2 pm on weekends. Therefore, it might be best to avoid these times as much as possible to avoid traffic delays.

Low Traffic Times

As mentioned earlier, to maximize your road trip's experience, it is advisable to plan your traveling time based on less traffic times. Therefore, the best time to drive is early in the morning, around 5 am - 6 am on weekdays, before the rush hour begins. By doing that, you'll be able to avoid busy traffic, which adds to the driving time, making you arrive at your destination later than expected.

Conclusion

Driving from (Old) Ottawa, Ontario to Charlotte, North Carolina, might have its challenges, but also has some of the most incredible landscapes that North America has to offer. However, the time you take to drive might depend mainly on the route you choose, traffic patterns, the time of day, and the time you are willing to spend on the road.

By taking into account such considerations, you'll minimize surprises and be able to arrive at your destination relaxed and excited to explore Charlotte. Safe driving!