Road Trippin' from Aiken to Durham!

Road trips are a fun way to travel! Especially when you can make it a road trip through the beautiful landscapes of North Carolina! Whether you're off to visit family, friends, or just for a change of scenery, the drive from Aiken, South Carolina to Durham, North Carolina, will take you to some hidden gems of our beautiful state. But, before you get too wrapped up in the excitement of the trip, it's essential to plan your route and check the traffic patterns to make the most of your trip. Here are some tips and information on the time it takes to drive from Aiken to Durham.

Routes

There are two primary routes to take when driving from Aiken to Durham. You can either take the I-85 N route or the I-95 N route. The I-85 N route is the shortest, at approximately 250 miles, while the I-95 N route is significantly longer, at approximately 310 miles.

Fastest and Slowest Routes

The fastest route would be to take the I-85 N route, which will take you around four and a half hours to complete, depending on traffic patterns. The I-95 N route, on the other hand, will take you approximately five and a half hours to complete, but it is worth noting that this route can get busier, especially around the cities of Fayetteville and Raleigh, leading to potential delays during peak traffic times.

Peak Traffic Times

If you're driving during peak traffic times, you might want to allow for more time than you typically would. Major traffic time in the triangle area tends to be around 7:30 – 9:30 AM and 4:30 – 6:30 PM. Additionally, weekends can be busier, particularly during the holiday season and during the summer months.

Low Traffic Times

If you're looking to avoid traffic, driving during the evening or early morning hours can be helpful. Aim for driving during non-peak hours, particularly from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm and 7:00 PM onwards, for a smoother trip. This time frame is ideal to traverse through the less congested routes such as I-95 N.

In conclusion, planning is key to ensure your road trip from Aiken to Durham goes as smooth as possible. Hopefully, this information can help you make the most efficient and enjoyable road trip possible - take in the beautiful countryside, and enjoy the ride! Safe travels!