Road Trip From Asheville to Champaign: Time It Takes To Get There
Getting from Asheville, North Carolina to Champaign, Illinois may seem like a daunting task, but it's actually quite manageable. Whether this is your first time embarking on a long drive or you're a seasoned road trip pro, knowing the best routes and estimated driving times to get there can make all the difference. In this blog post, we'll cover the different routes you can take, how long it will take you, and the best times to hit the road.
The Fastest and Slowest Routes
If speed is your top priority, then taking a direct hit through the Magica City of Birmingham and St Louis can get you there in just over 10 hours. The fastest route is to take I-40 West to Knoxville and then hop on I-75 North to reach Chattanooga. From there, continue on I-24 West up to Nashville and take I-64 West after entering Louisville. Finally, jump onto I-57 North past Effingham and your destination is just an hour north.
Alternatively, you can take a more scenic route along US-231 through Indiana, which is the perfect choice for those who want to soak in the beautiful Midwest scenery. However, taking this route would take you approximately 14 hours with stops.
Distance and Time Based on Traffic Patterns
The distance from Asheville to Champaign is approximately 650 - 700 miles depending on the route you take. This distance can take anywhere from 10 to 14 hours in overall driving time due to traffic and other factors on your path. However, planning your drive times ahead of time can make all the difference between crawling in traffic or sailing in free-flowing roads.
From our experience, the best time to leave from Asheville would be around 5 am to 7 am in the morning if you want the earliest possible arrival time. For those who prefer night driving, the best time to leave would be after dinner around around 6 pm to 9 pm, and you'll arrive in Champaign the next morning.
Calculating Driving Time
Here's a breakdown of the estimated driving time for the quickest and slowest routes based on peak traffic times and low traffic times:
- Fastest route (I-40/I-75 to I-24/I-65/I-57):
- Low traffic: 10hrs 30mins
- Peak traffic: 14hrs
- Scenic route (US-231):
- Low traffic: 13hrs
- Peak traffic: 16hrs
It's important to plan your trip with these driving times in mind, as well as plan for potential traffic delays along the way.
Whether you're planning a family vacation or visiting relatives, knowing the estimated travel time from Asheville to Champaign can help you budget your time and make the most of your trip. So pack your bags, hit the road, and enjoy the journey!