How Long Does It Take to Drive from Amherst, Massachusetts to Waltham, Massachusetts?

If you're planning a road trip from Amherst to Waltham, one of the first things you'll want to know is how long the drive will take. Fortunately, there are a few different routes you can take, depending on your preferences and traffic patterns. Here's everything you need to know about how long it takes to drive from Amherst to Waltham.

The Fastest Route

The fastest route from Amherst to Waltham is via I-90 East. This route will take you through Worcester and past Framingham before arriving in Waltham. The distance between the two cities is approximately 87 miles, and if you were to drive without any traffic, it would take you about an hour and 30 minutes to make the journey.

However, it's rare to encounter no traffic on this route, so it's important to factor in some extra time for potential delays. If you are making the drive during peak traffic times (weekday rush hour), it could take closer to two hours to arrive in Waltham.

The Scenic Route

If you have a little extra time and want to take the scenic route from Amherst to Waltham, one option is to take Route 9 East. This route will take you through small towns like Belchertown, Ware, and Brookfield before eventually arriving in Newton and passing through Wellesley on the way to Waltham.

The distance of this route is approximately 95 miles, so it's a bit longer than the fastest route. However, it's a great option if you want to see some charming small towns and get a taste of Massachusetts outside of the major cities. If you were to drive this route without any traffic, it would take you about two hours, but once again, you'll want to factor in extra time for potential traffic slowdowns.

The Slowest Route

If you want to take the slowest (but potentially most interesting) route from Amherst to Waltham, you could consider taking Route 2 East. This route will take you through the heart of Massachusetts, including towns like Northampton, Greenfield, and Gardner.

The distance of this route is approximately 127 miles, so it's significantly longer than the other two routes. If you were to drive this route without any traffic, it would take you about two and a half hours. However, once again, traffic patterns will likely make the drive longer.

In general, it's always a good idea to build in some extra time for traffic slowdowns when making a road trip. While the drive from Amherst to Waltham can be completed in as little as an hour and a half without any traffic, it's more realistic to plan on closer to two hours or even more during weekday rush hours. But no matter which route you choose, you're sure to enjoy the journey and all that Massachusetts has to offer.