Roadtripping from Ottawa to Decatur: The Fastest and Slowest Routes

If you're planning to hit the road and drive from (Old) Ottawa to Decatur, Indiana, you're in for a treat. From scenic views to interesting tourist attractions, this route has a lot to offer. However, before you hit the road, it's important to know the best routes to take and the driving time that comes with them. In this post, I'll walk you through the fastest and slowest routes from Ottawa to Decatur, providing driving times for optimal and peak hours.

The Fastest Route

For those looking to get to Decatur as quickly as possible, there's one clear route to take. You'll want to start by taking the 417 Highway, which turns into the 401 West. You'll then take the exit for Highway 8 towards Hamilton/ Kitchener. This route will take you through the border of the United States in Detroit, where you can then hop onto Interstate-69 South. This particular route spans a distance of 1,199 km and will take between 11-12 hours to drive. This route is optimal outside of peak hours, where the drive could take longer due to traffic.

The Slowest Route

If you're looking to take your time and enjoy the scenery, then there's a more scenic route to take, but it does come at a longer drive time. You'll start off by taking the 417 Highway, and then transition to the 401 West. You'll then take Exit 566 for the South Grenville/Thousand Islands region. After passing through Kingston, you'll drive across the US-Canada border via the Thousand Islands Bridge. From there, you'll take Interstate 81 South to Pittsburgh, before transferring to Interstate-70 West, which leads directly to Decatur. This route spans a distance of 1,534 km and will take between 14-16 hours to drive. As with the other route, this drive time is optimal outside of peak hours.

Factoring in Traffic

It's worth noting that peak traffic can greatly extend the time it takes to complete the drive, regardless of the route. Rush hour, holidays, and weekend traffic can all contribute to a slower driving time. As such, it's essential to consider the time of day when you're planning your trip. During optimal hours, you can expect to complete either route within the stated driving times above. However, peak hours could add several hours to your driving time.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, there are two routes to consider when driving from (Old) Ottawa to Decatur, each with its own benefits. The fastest route is the 417 Highway/ 401 West/ Highway 8 to I-69 South route, which takes 11-12 hours outside of peak traffic times. If you're looking for a more scenic experience with a longer drive time, the 417 Highway/ 401 West to Thousand Islands Bridge/ I-81 South to Pittsburgh/ I-70 West route spans 14-16 hours outside of peak hours. Whatever route you choose, make sure to carefully plan the time of day you'll be driving to ensure you make the best of your upcoming road trip.