How Long Does It Take To Drive From Apex, North Carolina to Skaneateles, New York?

If you're planning a road trip from Apex, North Carolina to Skaneateles, New York, you may be wondering how long the drive will take. While there are several routes you could take, the fastest and slowest options will likely depend on traffic patterns and the time of day you plan to hit the road. Here's a breakdown of estimated driving times for each route at peak traffic times and low traffic times.

Fastest Route: I-85 N and I-90 E

The fastest route from Apex to Skaneateles is to take I-85 N and I-90 E. This 736-mile trip will take you through Virginia and Pennsylvania before crossing into New York. Without stops, this route will take approximately 12 hours and 20 minutes to complete at low traffic times. But if you're traveling during peak traffic times, be prepared to add an hour or two to your journey. Plan to drive this route in the early morning or late evening to avoid rush hour congestion.

Scenic Route: I-95 N and I-81 N

If you're not in a rush, an alternate (but slower) route to Skaneateles is to take I-95 N and I-81 N. This route adds an extra 81 miles to your trip, but takes you through some of the most scenic parts of the Eastern Seaboard. You'll travel up the coast, through Baltimore and Washington, D.C., and then into the mountains of Virginia before turning east towards New York. At low traffic times, this route will take approximately 14 hours and 30 minutes to complete. However, expect to add several hours to that if traveling during peak traffic times.

Avoiding Tolls: US-15 N and I-81 N

If you want to avoid tolls, another option is to take US-15 N and I-81 N. This route cuts through North Carolina, Virginia, and Pennsylvania before crossing into New York. It's slightly longer than the I-85 N and I-90 E route, but avoids most tolls. Expect to add about an hour to your journey compared to the fastest route. At low traffic times, this trip will take approximately 13 hours and 30 minutes.

No matter which route you take, be sure to plan your trip ahead of time and check the traffic conditions. Leave early in the morning to avoid peak traffic times, take plenty of breaks to stretch your legs, and enjoy the journey!