A Road Trip from Albuquerque to Edwardsville: What to Expect

If you're planning a road trip from Albuquerque, New Mexico to Edwardsville, Illinois, there are a few things you need to know before you hit the road. Depending on the route you choose, the amount of traffic you encounter, and the time of day you travel, your journey could take anywhere from 16 to 21 hours. Here's what you need to know:

The Fastest Route

If you're in a hurry to get to Edwardsville, you'll want to take the fastest route possible. This means taking I-40 E and I-44 E, which will take you through Oklahoma City, Tulsa, and St. Louis before you reach your destination. The distance of this route is approximately 1060 miles, and if you're lucky enough to avoid traffic, it will take you just over 16 hours.

If you're driving during peak travel times, however, you can expect your journey to take quite a bit longer. With heavy traffic, construction delays, and other obstacles, you may need to budget up to 20 hours for this route.

The Scenic Route

If you're not in a hurry and you want to take in some beautiful scenery along the way, you may want to consider taking a more scenic route. One option is to take I-25 N through Santa Fe and Denver before joining I-70 E to St. Louis, then heading south on I-55 to Edwardsville. This route is approximately 1230 miles and will take you more than 19 hours.

While this route is longer in terms of both distance and time, it offers some amazing scenery along the way, including the Rocky Mountains and the Great Plains. Plus, you'll have the opportunity to stop in some interesting cities along the way, including Denver and St. Louis.

The Middle Ground

If you want to strike a balance between speed and scenery, you may want to consider taking I-40 E to Amarillo, then joining I-44 E to St. Louis before heading south to Edwardsville. This route is approximately 1145 miles and will take you just over 18 hours.

While this route is less scenic than the I-25 N option, it's still a pleasant drive that will take you through some interesting towns and cities, including Amarillo and Oklahoma City. And because it avoids Denver, it may be a better option if you're traveling during the winter months when snow and ice can make the roads treacherous.

Conclusion

No matter which route you choose, driving from Albuquerque to Edwardsville is a journey that will take several hours. By planning ahead and taking into account traffic patterns and potential delays, however, you can make your road trip as smooth and enjoyable as possible. And who knows—you may even discover some hidden gems along the way!