Driving Time between Altoona, Iowa and Dauphin Island, Alabama

A picture depicting driving

Road Trip Destination: From Altoona, Iowa to Dauphin Island, Alabama

Are you planning a road trip from Altoona, Iowa to Dauphin Island, Alabama? Well, brace yourself for the long haul because, according to Google Maps, it will take approximately 15 hours and 10 minutes to cover the 950 miles distance by car. But don't worry, this post will help you identify the fastest and slowest routes and provide the current traffic patterns and times to help you make the best choice for your trip.

Fastest Route

If you are in a hurry and want to get to your destination as quickly as possible, the fastest route proposed by Google Maps is through I-35 S and I-55 S. The distance is around 965 miles, and it takes around 14 hours and 45 minutes of driving with no stops. However, always consider peak traffic times that could extend your journey.

Slowest Route

While the slowest route may be tempting for those who want to take the scenic route, this isn't the best option when looking for a quick overall journey. Taking US-84 E and US-98 E will take approximately 17 hours and 15 minutes if you don't hit much traffic, and cover a distance of 980 miles.

Current Traffic Patterns

Peak traffic times for the fastest route are between 2:00 pm and 7:00 pm during weekdays, adding up to 20 to 30 more minutes to your travel time. On the slowest route, the rush hour period from 4:00 pm until 6:00 pm during weekdays can add up to 1 hour more to the journey.

On the other hand, outside the rush hour, choosing the fastest route can cut travel time to around 13 hours and 45 minutes while taking the slowest route will still take close to 16 hours. Weekends often provide lower traffic for both routes.

In conclusion, if you're looking for the quickest route, taking I-35 S and I-55 S in off-peak traffic times is the best option. But if you want to trek through beautiful scenery, opt for US-84 E and US-98 E, but prepare yourself for a longer ride. Planning and considering traffic times are vital in making sure you arrive at your destination safely and on-time. Have fun on your trip!