Road Trip Time: From Acton, MA to Des Moines, IA

So, you're planning a road trip from Acton, Massachusetts to the heartland of Des Moines, Iowa? A road trip can be a lot of fun, but you'll want to know how long it will take to drive in order to plan accordingly. In this article, we will go over the fastest and slowest routes, the distance of each route, and the time it takes based on traffic patterns.

The Fastest and Slowest Routes

The fastest route from Acton, MA to Des Moines, IA is via I-90 W and I-80 W, which is approximately 1,266 miles and takes around 19 hours and 55 minutes, depending on traffic. This route takes you through cities like Syracuse, Rochester, Buffalo, Cleveland, and Chicago. Keep in mind that this route passes through the northern areas of the country, which could mean stormy weather in winter seasons.

Alternatively, the slowest route is through the mid-south, via TN-149 W and US-49 N. This route is approximately 1,470 miles and takes around 24 hours and 30 minutes, depending on traffic. This route passes through cities such as Memphis, Little Rock, Springfield (MO), and Kansas City, which could offer some fun road trip stops, and southerly temperatures.

Distance and Time Based on Traffic

The fastest route is 1,266 miles and will take around 20 hours depending on traffic patterns. A guess of approximately 50 to 60 miles per hour can be made, including coffee and bathroom stops. Still, this largely depends on the time of day you are driving. If you hit traffic during rush hour in cities like Syracuse, Rochester, or Buffalo, it could prolong your travel time significantly, maybe up to another hour, or longer depending on accidents or construction.

The slowest route of 1,470 miles will likely take around 25 hours. It may be a longer trip, but you may enjoy the scenic southern route with more options to take detours. Memphis and Little Rock could offer unique road trip stops, and Springfield (MO) is home to the famous Bass Pro Shop if that interests you.

Traffic Time

Traffic patterns are not an exact science, but most cities have periods of heavy traffic during certain hours of the day. Rush hour traffic can add significant travel time to your journey. For example, in Boston, the rush hour traffic is around 7:30 am to 9 am, and 3:30 pm to 6 pm. If you happen to be traveling during those times, you're likely to experience longer travel times. Chicago rush hour is generally expected around 7am to 9am, and 3pm to 7pm. Kansas City may experience slowdowns during weekday peak hours between 5pm to 7pm.

So there you have it - the fast and slow routes, the distance, and driving time based on traffic patterns. We hope this information helps you plan your road trip from Acton, Massachusetts to Des Moines, Iowa. It's always good to be aware of traffic patterns and expect the unexpected to avoid any surprises. Remember, it's not all about getting there quickly, but making lasting memories on the road!