Road Trip! Alexandria to Birmingham: Which Route to Take?
Are you planning a road trip from Alexandria, Virginia to Birmingham, Alabama? Great decision, as this drive takes you through a beautiful and historic region of the United States. However, before setting off, it's wise to map out the route and estimate the driving time to ensure a smooth journey. In this blog post, we'll explore the fastest and slowest routes, the distance of each route and the time it takes to drive during peak and low traffic hours.
The Fastest Route
The fastest route from Alexandria to Birmingham is via I-81 S and I-59 S, which covers a distance of about 663 miles. This route takes approximately 10 hours and 20 minutes at normal traffic hours. However, peak traffic times can extend this time, leaving you stuck in traffic and potentially causing delays to your journey. To avoid extended travel times due to traffic, try to plan your trip to avoid rush hour if possible.
The Most Scenic Route
While the drive from Alexandria to Birmingham via I-81 S is undoubtedly the quickest, you'll miss out on some of the stunning scenery along the way. If you have the time, consider taking the slower but more scenic route through the historic and charming towns of western Virginia and eastern Tennessee. Take I-81 S to Roanoke, then pick up the Blue Ridge Parkway, winding through the beautiful Appalachian Mountains. When you reach Cherokee, Tennessee, take Route 64 West, which leads to I-24 S to Chattanooga, where you'll finally connect with I-59 S to Birmingham. This route covers a distance of about 820 miles, which takes approximately 14-15 hours, depending on stops and traffic.
Estimating Travel Times
Apart from route selection, traffic is perhaps the biggest factor influencing driving time. It's a good idea to check the traffic patterns for each route before embarking on your trip, especially if you're on a tight schedule. According to traffic data, the best time to leave for Birmingham from Alexandria is as early in the morning as possible. This will give you a window of opportunity to avoid the rush when leaving Washington D.C. and the northern Virginia suburbs. You could also aim to arrive in Chattanooga by mid-afternoon to beat incoming traffic to the city.
Conclusion
So there you have it - two different routes to take, each with pros and cons. Whether you're looking to save time or enjoy the scenery, each route has something special to offer. When planning your trip, factor in the time of the year, traffic patterns, and your travel companions to ensure a comfortable and memorable journey. Remember to bring your favorite snacks, a good playlist, and a sense of adventure and curiosity, and enjoy the ride!