How Long Does it Take to Drive from Amherst, Massachusetts to Northampton, Massachusetts?

Are you planning a trip from Amherst, Massachusetts to Northampton, Massachusetts? If so, you might be wondering how long the drive will take. Luckily, there are a few different routes you can take, each with varying traffic patterns. In this post, we'll explore the different driving options and how long each one takes.

Fastest Route: The I-91 South

The fastest route from Amherst to Northampton is via the I-91 South. This route is approximately 5.5 miles and can take anywhere from 15-20 minutes depending on traffic. At low traffic times, such as early mornings or late evenings, you can make the drive in as little as 13 minutes. However, during peak traffic times, like rush hour, the drive can take up to 20 minutes or more.

Slowest Route: US-5 South

The slowest route from Amherst to Northampton is via US-5 South. This route is approximately 7.6 miles and can take anywhere from 20-30 minutes depending on traffic. At low traffic times, you can make the drive in around 18 minutes, but during peak traffic times, the drive can take up to 30 minutes or more.

Alternatives: MA-116 and MA-47

If you'd like to avoid highways altogether, there are two alternative routes you can take. The first is via MA-116 and MA-47. This route is approximately 9.6 miles and can take anywhere from 25-35 minutes depending on traffic. At low traffic times, you can make the drive in around 22 minutes, but during peak traffic times, the drive can take up to 35 minutes or more.

Congested Areas

During peak traffic times, the most congested areas tend to be the on-ramp to I-91 South, which can cause backups onto Route 9 as well as Northampton Street. Additionally, the intersection of Bridge Road and Route 9 tends to see a lot of traffic during these times.

No matter what route you choose, make sure to allow extra time during peak traffic times. If you're looking to make the drive quickly, the I-91 South is your best bet, but if you're looking for a more scenic route, consider taking MA-116 and MA-47. Safe travels!