The Ultimate Guide to Driving from Altoona, Pennsylvania to Virginia Beach, Virginia

If you're planning a road trip from Altoona, Pennsylvania to Virginia Beach, Virginia, you're in for a treat. You'll be driving through beautiful scenery and experiencing some of the best attractions the East Coast has to offer. However, you might be wondering how long it will take to drive to Virginia Beach. In this post, we'll break down the fastest and slowest routes, the distance, and the time it takes based on traffic patterns.

The Fastest Route

The fastest route from Altoona to Virginia Beach is via I-70 E and I-81 S. This route is approximately 394 miles in length and takes approximately 6 hours and 20 minutes to drive. However, this route can become congested, especially during peak traffic times. If you can avoid driving during rush hour, you'll have a much smoother and faster trip.

Driving at low traffic times will require approximately the same amount of time, but you won't have the added stress of being stuck in traffic for hours on end. So, if you're looking for the quickest way to get to Virginia Beach, this is your go-to route.

The Scenic Route

If you're not in a hurry and want to enjoy the journey as much as the destination, then a scenic route would be perfect for you. From Altoona, head east to Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, and then south through the Shenandoah Valley. The drive through this valley is beautiful and will take you past numerous wineries and fine dining options.

However, this route can be lengthier and take you approximately 9 hours to drive, especially if you want to stop by the attractions. Similarly, at peak travel time, you may experience delays. At off-peak times, the journey is less than 9 hours and a lot less hassle.

The Slowest Route

Finally, consider taking a more leisurely approach and travel the slowest route. This scenic route features several historic sites in Maryland and Virginia and will take you approximately 10 hours to drive. You'll see important points in American history such as Gettysburg and Antietam National Battlefield.

This route can also become congested during peak traffic times. As a result, this may add extra time if you travel during peak hours. Choosing the right time of day would cause your travel time to cut down.

Conclusion

Driving from Altoona, Pennsylvania to Virginia Beach, Virginia can take anywhere from 6 to 10 hours depending on your preferred route and traffic levels. Taking the I-70 E and I-81 S is the fastest route but expect delays during peak traffic hours. However, driving during off-peak times makes the trip much more pleasant and easier.

Scenic routes are also another alternative. If you have the time and want to enjoy the scenery, slow travel is one way to go. Plan your trip ahead of time to include anywhere from 6 to 10 hours of travel time depending on your preferred route.

Finally, it's important to choose the best route based on what you are looking for. Whether it's a faster journey or a slower route, there are plenty of options for a fun, scenic, and worthwhile trip from Altoona to Virginia Beach.