The Road to Carolina: How Long Will It Take?

If you're planning a trip from Arnold, Maryland to West Columbia, South Carolina, you're probably wondering how long it will take to drive there. Fortunately, we've got the answers for you in today's post. From the fastest routes to the slowest traffic patterns, read on to find out how long you should expect your drive to take.

The Fastest Route

The fastest route from Arnold, Maryland to West Columbia, South Carolina is via I-95 S and I-26 W. This route spans a distance of approximately 586 miles and takes approximately 9 hours 20 minutes on an average day with moderate traffic. However, if you're trying to beat rush hour traffic, this route may take you a little bit longer.

During peak traffic times, such as weekday afternoons, you can expect this route to take around 10 hours to complete. However, if you opt to drive during low traffic times, such as early mornings or weekends, you can expect to finish the journey in about 8 hours and 30 minutes.

The Slowest Route

If you're not looking to rush your journey and prefer a more leisurely drive, a slower, more scenic route is a great option. Driving through the Appalachian Mountains via I-270 and I-81 can be beautiful, but it will take longer. This route spans a distance of approximately 710 miles and takes approximately 11 hours and 30 minutes on an average day with moderate traffic. However, during peak traffic, such as at the beginning or end of a holiday, you can expect this route to take around 13 hours to complete.

Exploring Other Options

If you're looking for a middle ground between quick and slow, there are a few other routes that may interest you. Taking I-68 W and I-79 S over the mountains can be fast yet scenic, covering about 663 miles and taking around 10 hours and 40 minutes on an average day with moderate traffic. During peak times, expect to be driving for around 12 hours.

Alternatively, you can drive through Richmond, Virginia, and Charlotte, North Carolina, via I-95 S and I-85 S, covering a distance of around 623 miles. This route takes about 9 hours and 50 minutes on an average day, or around 11 hours during peak traffic times.

Overall, there are plenty of driving routes to choose from when traveling from Arnold, Maryland to West Columbia, South Carolina. Regardless of which one you choose, be sure to allow for a little extra time if you're driving during peak traffic. Safe travels!