Road Trip Ready: Time to Get from Alexandria, Virginia to Worcester, Massachusetts

Are you planning a road trip from Alexandria, Virginia to Worcester, Massachusetts? This adventure will take you about 8 hours on the road, which could turn out to be a wonderfully enjoyable or agonizing experience depending on the route you choose and the time you hit the road. Here is a breakdown of the two fastest routes, the time it takes based on traffic patterns, and overall distances.

Fastest Routes:

You have two options here:

Taking I-95N
Taking I-70W N to I-270N

Option 1: Your first option is to take I-95N out of Alexandria, Virginia, all the way to Worcester, Massachusetts. This route clocks around 396 miles and will take you roughly 7 hours, but this can vary depending on traffic patterns. It's recommended to avoid the peak traffic times around Washington D.C., Baltimore, and Philadelphia, which can make this route anything from a smooth and quick ride to an agonizing crawl.

Option 2: Your second option is to take I-70W N to I-270N, about 402 miles, and take I-81N and I-84E, which will be a total of 404 miles. This drive takes roughly the same time as Option 1, taking about 7 hours, perhaps a bit longer depending on traffic patterns. However, it takes you through more scenic areas of Pennsylvania and New York than Interstate 95 if that's your cup of tea.

Peak Traffic Times:

No one wants to be stuck in traffic, so consider the peak traffic times before you hit the road. For the I-95 route, the best time to avoid the crowds is to leave before 6:30 am; otherwise, expect traffic from Washington D.C. to Boston. For the I-70 route, try to leave after 10:00 am to avoid the morning rush around Bethesda and Frederick, Maryland. On I-81 and I-84, the main bottleneck is around Hartford, Connecticut, during peak hours around 4 pm to 6 pm.

Conclusion:

On your journey from Alexandria, Virginia, to Worcester, Massachusetts, the trip will take roughly 8 hours, but which route you take and the time you leave could make a significant difference in your travel experience. Depending on your preferences, you can choose between taking more scenic routes or sticking to the fastest option. Either way, make sure to consider traffic patterns before you hit the road. The open road awaits, are you ready?