Journeying from Ashford to Salisbury: How Long Does it Take to Drive?

Are you planning a trip from Ashford to Salisbury? Well, the travel distance between Ashford and Salisbury is approximately 106 miles, which should take you just over 2 hours to cover. However, this estimation is only valid in ideal driving conditions, and the drive duration can increase or decrease based on the route you choose and the traffic you encounter. Read on as we break down three different driving options that you can take for your journey and the expected travel times for each.

Option One: The Fastest Route

The fastest route from Ashford to Salisbury takes approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes with minimal traffic. Your journey will start by hopping on the M20 and heading east then heading south onto the M26, which you should stick to until it joins the M25. Continue south, and eventually, you'll join the A3, which you will continue to follow until you hit the M27 before finally joining the A36. The total distance covered while on this route is approximately 112 miles.

Option Two: The Scenic Route

The scenic route to Salisbury from Ashford covers approximately 118 miles and takes about a half-hour longer than the fastest route. This route begins the same way as the fastest route, but you will exit the M26 early by taking a left turn at the junction with the B2016 signposted to Wrotham. From here, stick to the A227, which will take you to Gravesend before joining the A2 all the way to Canterbury. Then take the A28 to Ashford. Afterward, head South towards Romney Marsh before joining the A259 through to Bexhill-on-Sea, then finally, the A27 to Salisbury.

Option Three: The Slowest Route

The slowest route from Ashford to Salisbury follows the A roads from the beginning and covers approximately 128 miles, which can take up to 3 hours and 30 minutes in moderate traffic. To start, simply head Southwest from Ashford on the A28 toward London Road. Join the A2 until you reach Dartford, then continue on the A226 all the way to Gravesend. Next, join the A227 through Tonbridge before joining the A26 all the way to Lewes. Follow the A27 west to Fontwell, pick up the A29 and head north towards Oving, Chichester, and then finally Salisbury.

Best and Worst Times to Drive

We all dread unexpected traffic, but this can be avoided if you know the best and worst times to drive. According to UK Traffic News, the worst time to avoid traveling this route is between 6 am, and 9 am - so it's best to take the scenic route. However, if you're an early bird or a night owl, the fastest route is best during off-peak traffic times – between 9 am and 4 pm.

In conclusion, it takes approximately 2 to 3.5 hours to drive from Ashford to Salisbury, depending on the route you choose and traffic patterns. Consider the various routes, especially if you have enough time to explore. The fastest route is suitable if you have a time limit and are focused on getting to your destination without much ado, while the scenic and slowest routes are ideal for sight-seeing and if there is less urgency. So, get out there, buckle up, and enjoy the beauty of the drive.