Road trip: How long does it take to drive from Ashburn, Virginia to Cottageville, South Carolina?

Planning a road trip? Looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Ashburn, Virginia and bask in the low country charm of Cottageville, South Carolina? Well, buckle up because we’re going to take a look at how long it takes to drive from Ashburn to Cottageville.

The route

The route from Ashburn to Cottageville is approximately 550 miles. If you’re looking for the fastest route, you’ll need to take I-95 South through Richmond, Fayetteville, and Savannah before finally arriving in Cottageville. This route, despite being fastest, could take between 8-9 hours depending on traffic.

But, if you’re looking to enjoy the scenic route, then you can take US-29S through Charlottesville, Danville, and Greensboro before merging onto I-85S. From there, hop onto I-26E towards Charleston, and take exit 62 to Cottageville. While this route is a bit slower at approximately 9-10 hours, it allows you to enjoy a more picturesque drive through the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Traffic

When it comes to traffic, we’ve got good news and bad news. The good news is that traffic on Interstate 95 is usually well-maintained, and you should be able to maintain a steady speed. However, you’re not always so lucky. Traffic on this route can be unpredictable, especially during holidays and summer months, causing delays of up to 20-30 minutes.

If you choose the scenic route, the same story applies. While you’ll be able to avoid the worst of the traffic jams, be prepared for the slower pace that comes with the winding roads and hills of the Blue Ridge.

Ideal Times

To avoid the traffic on I-95, we recommend you take this route during off-peak hours, usually between 10 AM to 2 PM or after 7 PM. While it might add a few hours onto your journey, it’s well worth it to avoid the stress of bumper-to-bumper traffic.

And if you take the scenic route, prepare for a leisurely drive through historic towns and rural landscapes. As with I-95, try to avoid peak rush hour times on city highways and interstates to keep your journey running smoothly.

Final Thoughts

There’s no one best way to drive from Ashburn to Cottageville. The general rule of thumb is that the I-95 route is faster, but also busier with more traffic. Whereas, the scenic route is longer and more picturesque but also slower. Ultimately, your choice of route and driving times will depend on your personal preferences, traffic updates, and weather conditions. But, whichever route you choose, good luck, and happy traveling!