Road Trippin': Aiken, South Carolina to Jessup, Maryland

Planning a road trip from Aiken, South Carolina to Jessup, Maryland? Whether you're going for a family visit, to check out some attractions, or for a well-deserved vacation, the first thing you need to know is how long the drive will take. After all, knowing the driving time can help you make travel plans, avoid traffic, and plan for pit stops.

Route Options and Drive Times

There are several route options when driving from Aiken to Jessup, each with varying distances and drive times. The primary routes are I-95 North, I-20 East, and I-77 North. Here's the lowdown on each one:

Route 1: I-95 North

This route is the fastest and covers a distance of approximately 554 miles. In ideal traffic conditions, the drive time for this route is around 8 hours and 40 minutes, but during peak traffic times the drive time can increase to over 10 hours. The route takes drivers through major cities such as Florence, Raleigh, Richmond, and Baltimore.

Route 2: I-20 East - I-95 North

This route is slightly longer than the first, covering a distance of approximately 578 miles. The drive time for this route is also around 8 hours and 40 minutes in ideal traffic conditions, but during peak travel times, the drive time can extend to over 10 hours. This route takes drivers through Atlanta, Florence, Raleigh, Richmond, and Baltimore.

Route 3: I-77 North - I-81 North - I-70 East - I-695 North

This route is the longest of the three, at approximately 645 miles, but it's also the most picturesque, taking drivers through the Appalachian Mountains. The drive time for this route is around 11 hours in ideal traffic conditions, but during peak travel times, the drive time can reach up to 12 hours. This route takes drivers through Charlotte, Wytheville, Hagerstown, and Baltimore.

Traffic Patterns

When planning your trip, it's important to consider the traffic patterns along your chosen route. Peak traffic hours are typically from 7:00 AM - 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM on weekdays.

It's best to avoid driving during peak times if possible, especially on major highways and interstates, as you may encounter heavy traffic, delays, and accidents. To make the trip more enjoyable and less stressful, consider starting early in the morning to avoid peak hours, or consider taking a different route if heavy traffic is forecasted.

Conclusion

When driving from Aiken, South Carolina to Jessup, Maryland, there are several route options with varying distances and drive times. The fastest route is I-95 North, taking around 8 hours and 40 minutes in ideal traffic. If time isn't a factor, the scenic I-77 North route will take you approximately 11 hours, but it's an enjoyable drive through some of America's most iconic landscapes.

No matter which route you take, it's important to be mindful of traffic patterns and plan accordingly. Safe travels!