A Road Trip Guide: Driving from Arlington, Virginia to Plymouth Township, Michigan

If you're embarking on a road trip from the East Coast to the Midwest, you may be wondering how long a drive from Arlington, Virginia to Plymouth Township, Michigan will take. As someone who has made this journey multiple times, I can tell you that there are a variety of factors that can affect your travel time. But don't worry, I've got you covered with some tips and tricks for the fastest and slowest routes, the distance of each route, and the time it takes based on traffic patterns.

Fastest and Slowest Routes

The two main routes you can take from Arlington to Plymouth Township are via I-70 W or via I-80 W. The mileage for each route is roughly the same, with I-70 W being slightly shorter at about 454 miles and I-80 W being 470 miles. However, according to Google Maps, the drive time for each route is vastly different. At low traffic times, I-70 W can take around 7 hours and 45 minutes, while I-80 W can take up to 8 hours and 30 minutes.

But during peak traffic times, you'd want to opt for I-80 W instead. I-70 W tends to have more roadwork and backups, and Google Maps estimates around an hour more of travel time during peak traffic. Meanwhile, I-80 W offers a relatively smoother ride and may take only around 20 minutes more at peak travel times. It may not seem like much, but trust me, that 20-minute difference can really add up when you're sitting in traffic.

Traffic Patterns

The best time to drive from Arlington to Plymouth Township is during non-peak hours, such as early in the morning on a weekend. If you're leaving during rush hour, you can expect heavier traffic and a longer travel time, particularly on I-70 W. Google Maps also suggests avoiding the area around Columbus, Ohio during rush hour, as it's a common bottleneck for both routes.

If you're looking to make a pit stop or want to break up the drive, consider stopping in Pittsburgh for a meal or a quick stretch. It's a halfway point and has plenty of options for food and entertainment.

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, the time it takes to drive from Arlington, Virginia to Plymouth Township, Michigan will depend on a combination of factors, such as your route, traffic conditions, and how many stops you make. But armed with this knowledge of the fastest and slowest routes and the best times to travel, you'll be well on your way to a successful road trip. So adjust your GPS, put on some tunes, and enjoy the ride!

Safe travels!