Road Trip from Amherst to Beacon

Are you planning a road trip from Amherst, Massachusetts to the City of Beacon, New York? That's a great idea! There are multiple routes for this journey, with varying traffic patterns that can significantly affect your travel time. In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at the fastest and slowest routes, the distance of those routes, and the time it takes based on traffic patterns.

The Fastest Route

The fastest route from Amherst to Beacon is through the Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90) and the Taconic State Parkway. This route stretches for approximately 156 miles, and it can take you roughly 3 hours and 15 minutes to complete the journey. This route is generally the fastest, but you should keep in mind that traffic congestion on the Massachusetts Turnpike can significantly increase your travel time. On the bright side, the Taconic State Parkway is a pleasant road to drive on with scenic views of the Hudson River Valley.

The Slowest Route

If you prefer a more straightforward route, you can take I-91 South and I-84 East. This route, at around 135 miles, is twelve miles shorter than the fastest route, but it takes longer to complete the journey due to some congested areas in Connecticut. During rush hours, the traffic on I-84 can get pretty intense, so it might take you nearly 4 hours or more to get to your destination.

Peak Traffic Time vs. Low Traffic Time

The time of day you choose to drive from Amherst to Beacon makes a huge difference in your travel time. If you leave at peak traffic hours, you'll end up frustrated by the heavy traffic, and it'll take you more time to reach your destination. However, if you choose a low traffic time, you'll enjoy smooth sailing and can reach your destination much faster than you expected.

For instance, if you decide to leave Amherst at around 5 pm on a weekday, you'll enjoy light traffic on I-90 but face heavy traffic when you get to congested areas on I-84. It could take you roughly 4 hours to complete the journey. However, if you leave at 6 am on a weekend, when traffic is light, you'll enjoy the journey, and it could take you slightly under 3 hours.

Conclusion

Are you going to Beacon for a family vacation, romantic getaway, or business conference? It's important to choose the best route that suits your travel preferences. The fastest route via I-90 and Taconic State Parkway takes you through scenic views but can get congested. The slowest route via I-91 South and I-84 East gives you a straightforward drive but could take slightly longer.

Keep in mind that traffic patterns also play a significant role in your travel time. Choose low traffic hours for faster rides, like off-peak weekdays or early weekend mornings, and avoid rush hour traffic as much as you can.

Happy driving, and enjoy your time in Beacon!