Road Trip: Alexandria, Virginia to Sioux City, Iowa

Thinking about a road trip from Alexandria, Virginia to Sioux City, Iowa? Let me help you plan! The journey from the East coast to Midwest can be quite exciting, but sometimes it's hard to know what route to take. In this post, I'll share with you all the details you'll need to know about the different routes, distances, and times it will take to get to Sioux City in your own ride.

Fastest & Slowest Routes

The fastest way to get from Alexandria, Virginia to Sioux City, Iowa is via I-70 W and I-64 W. This route stretches for 1,110 miles and takes approximately 17 hours with moderate traffic and no stops. However, if time is not a factor, or if you are looking for a more scenic route, you might want to consider taking I-80 W instead. This route is 1,250 miles long and takes around 20 hours to complete. The drive is particularly beautiful, going through the Allegheny Mountains, Chicago, and the Iowa countryside.

Distance & Time Based on Traffic

Now that you know the two route options, let's talk more about the drive times. On a good day with light traffic, you can make it from Alexandria, Virginia to Sioux City, Iowa in approximately 15 hours and 45 minutes via the I-70W and I-64W route. However, if you get stuck in heavy traffic, it can take up to 22 hours to make the trip! As for the I-80W route, the drive times vary more depending on the number of stops you make. It can range from 19 to 22 hours due to distance and stops.

If you want to avoid peak traffic times, it's best to avoid driving on weekdays during rush hours. However, if your trip must take place during those times, the worst days to drive are Thursdays and Fridays. If you’re looking for the least congested and smoothest ride, make sure to drive on a weekend.

Final Thoughts

Now that you know your options and the drive times, you can decide which route works best for you. If you're looking for a faster trip, stick with the I-70W and I-64W route. For a leisurely pace with some sights along the way, the I-80W route will let you enjoy a bit of America's heartland!

Whatever route you choose, make sure to plan your route and make stops along the way to stay alert on the road. Don't let traffic detour your trip; enjoy the journey each mile at a time!