Road Trip from Anderson, South Carolina to Seattle, Washington: A Comprehensive Guide!

Are you planning a road trip from Anderson, South Carolina to Seattle, Washington? Planning your route and drive time is important to ensure you have a smooth and enjoyable road trip. In this post, we’ll cover the different routes you can take, the distance, and driving time based on traffic.

Fastest and Slowest Routes

The quickest route is the I-80 W. This route covers 2,735 miles and takes approximately 43 hours of driving. However, this route requires you to pay tolls and passes through regions experiencing hot summers and cold winters. If you don't mind driving long distances and want to save money, this is an excellent option.

The other fastest route is the I-90 W, which covers 2,764 miles and takes approximately 44 hours of driving. This route passes through wide-open spaces, mountain views, and charming towns that are perfect for sight-seeing. Like the I-80 W, this also entails tolls.

The slowest, but more scenic alternative is to travel along the coastal roads of California, Oregon, and Washington. This route is longer, covering 3,247 miles and requiring about 53 hours of driving. However, the miles of rugged shoreline, breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, and ancient Redwoods of Northern California make it a beautiful drive.

Traffic Patterns and Drive Times

The driving time for your route will be influenced heavily by the time of day and day of the week you’re traveling. For instance, traffic on the I-80 and I-90 is heaviest around Chicago, and if you travel during peak hours, you should expect delays. Similarly, driving through big cities such as Portland, San Francisco, and Seattle may cause severe traffic congestion. Be sure to factor this into your drive time.

Assuming normal traffic conditions, driving the I-80 W at peak traffic times could take up to 52 hours. In contrast, if you travel the same route outside rush hour, you could cut your drive time by up to 6 hours, taking only 46 hours. Combination of off-peak and peak travel could take anywhere between 39 to 56 hours.

The I-90 W at peak traffic times could take 55 hours, while outside rush hours, you could complete your trip in approximately 48 hours. All in all, plan for contingencies and allocate sufficient time to rest and refuel.

Conclusion

The road trip from Anderson, South Carolina to Seattle, Washington can be intimidating. However, with proper planning, the trip can be genuinely enjoyable. Consider the different routes, their distance, and drive time based on traffic, and allocate enough time to enjoy the journey. Safe travels, and have an excellent adventure!