Road Tripping: Driving from Asheville, NC to College Park, MD

Are you planning a road trip from Asheville, North Carolina to College Park, Maryland? This distance of approximately 500 miles can take anywhere from 7 to 12 hours depending on the route you take and traffic conditions. In this blog post, we'll explore the fastest and slowest routes and provide estimated driving times to help you plan your journey.

The Fastest Route

If you're looking to get to your destination as quickly as possible, taking I-81 N and I-70 E is the way to go. This route is approximately 535 miles long and will take approximately 7 hours and 45 minutes to drive. You'll start on I-40 W in Asheville and head north on I-81 N until you reach I-70 E. Once you get on I-70 E, you'll drive straight through to College Park.

The Scenic Route

If you have plenty of time and want to enjoy some beautiful scenery along the way, consider taking US-29 N and US-15 N. This route is approximately 535 miles long but will take longer than the I-81 N and I-70 E route due to slower speed limits and traffic. You'll head north on US-25 N, then take a left on US-64 W and a right onto US-276 N. Continue on US-276 N until you hit US-26 N, then take exit 54 onto US-29 N. Finally, take a right onto US-15 N and continue straight to College Park.

Based on traffic patterns, the time it takes to drive this route can range from 9 to 12 hours. However, you'll enjoy beautiful views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the charming small towns along the way.

Traffic Considerations

If you're looking to avoid heavy traffic, try to avoid driving during peak rush hour times in major cities along the route, such as Baltimore and Washington D.C. Generally speaking, the best times to drive are early in the morning or late at night, when traffic is lighter.

In conclusion, the driving time from Asheville, North Carolina to College Park, Maryland can vary significantly based on the route you choose and traffic conditions. If time is of the essence, take I-81 N and I-70 E for the fastest route. On the other hand, if you're looking to enjoy the scenery and explore different towns, take US-29 N and US-15 N. Whatever you choose, plan for traffic and be prepared to adjust your itinerary accordingly. Safe travels!