Road Trip: Arlington, Virginia to Northbridge, Massachusetts

Are you planning a road trip from Arlington, Virginia, to Northbridge, Massachusetts? One of the most important things to consider driving is the amount of time it takes to arrive at your destination. Traffic patterns and the route you choose will determine the length of your road trip. In this blog post, we’ll explore different routes and their respective distances, traffic patterns, and driving times.

The Fastest and Slowest Routes

For those who want to arrive at their destination as fast as possible, the quickest route is via I-95. This route takes about 8 hours if you drive straight through, covering a distance of approximately 430 miles. However, you should expect sudden traffic and long delays, especially when going through major cities like Philadelphia, New York City, and Providence.

If you want to avoid the congestion of cities, you can opt for a more scenic route via I-81 and I-84. This route covers a distance of about 550 miles, taking you through the heart of the Appalachian Mountains and along the banks of the Connecticut River. But be warned: this route will take you about 10 hours to drive straight through.

Traffic Patterns

Traffic patterns vary depending on the time of day and day of the week. If you choose to drive via I-95, you should avoid rush hour times when traffic is busiest. The worst time to travel is on Fridays from 3-7 pm when commuters are leaving major cities for the weekend. Traffic is also busiest on Sundays, as vacationers return home from weekend getaways.

If you opt for the I-81 and I-84 route, traffic is generally less congested. However, you should still avoid driving during rush hour times and on weekends.

Driving Time at Peak and Low Traffic Times

At peak traffic times, the drive from Arlington to Northbridge via I-95 can take about 10 hours, while the I-81 and I-84 route can take about 12 hours. But if you avoid rush hour times and travel during off-peak hours, the drive time decreases significantly. Expect to take about 8-9 hours on the I-95 route, and 10 hours on the I-81 and I-84 route.

So, which route should you choose? If you want to arrive at your destination quickly with lots of amenities, I-95 is your best bet. But if you prefer scenic drives and have the time to appreciate them, I-81 and I-84 offer beautiful vistas and quieter roads. Regardless of the route you choose, make sure to account for traffic patterns to get the most out of your road trip.

Happy driving!