A Pleasant Drive from Amherst to Great Barrington, MA

Welcome to Western Massachusetts, where scenic drives are abundant! Whether you’re a new resident, a tourist, or just someone who’s curious about the area, we know that you’re looking for the best routes to take. In this blog post, we’ll give you an overview of the best (and worst) ways to get from Amherst to Great Barrington.

The Fastest Route

The quickest way to travel from Amherst to Great Barrington is on the I-91 South. Starting from Amherst, you'll take exit 19 to merge onto Route 9 West, then keep right at the fork to continue on US-5 South. Taking exit 3 for Route 57 towards Great Barrington will lead you right into town. The distance is approximately 47 miles, and driving 60 mph would take you about 45 minutes. During rush hour, however, this could double your driving time.

The Scenic Route

For those with a little extra time, the scenic route is perfect. It'll take about an hour and fifteen minutes to travel 50 miles. Head south on Route 116 through the quaint towns of Conway and Ashfield, before turning right onto Route 112 South to reach Westfield. From there, you'll head through the charming town of Otis and arrive in Great Barrington.

The Combination Route

For a happy medium between the previous two routes, take the combination route. From Amherst, drive along Route 9 West and turn left onto Route 143 South. You'll pass through Cummington, before turning right onto Route 112 South. This route is about 55 miles long and will take approximately an hour.

It’s important to remember that travel times can vary depending on a variety of factors, such as road conditions, traffic, and weather. Rush hour in Northampton can add up to 20 minutes of commute time and impact all three routes. Regardless, whichever route you choose, the trip from Amherst to Great Barrington is sure to be scenic and enjoyable. Happy driving!