The Ultimate Guide to Driving from Athens, Ohio to Wise, Virginia

If your next adventure has you packed and ready to drive from Athens, Ohio to Wise, Virginia, you're in for a fun journey. The two cities sit at an impressive distance from each other, but with the right route, the trip can be pretty smooth and comfortable. In this guide, we'll explore the best possible routes for your drive, based on traffic times and distance.

The Fastest Route - OH-33 W

The route via OH-33 W is the shortest and the fastest. Although both cities are relatively close to each other, this route still covers a 225 miles stretch, which takes an approximate driving time of 4 hours and 25 minutes, on average.

But be cautious of peak traffic times, especially around Columbus, Ohio along the route, as this can often cause delays. However, if you're driving during off-peak hours, the total driving time could be cut down by up to forty-five minutes.

The Scenic Route - US-35 W And US-19 S

The US-35 W and US-19 S route is an excellent option if you're in the mood for a scenic route. The roads wind through foothills and mountains, leading you through beautiful countryside landscapes, low-traffic roads, and some small towns.

This route will cover a distance of approximately 258 miles, which means a driving time of around 5 hours and 23 minutes, on average. Keep in mind that while this drive may be slightly longer, it makes for a more picturesque route, with fewer delays, especially around Beckley, West Virginia.

The Slowest Route - I-64 And I-81 S

The third route is the slowest, clocking a driving time of around 5 hours and 53 minutes, covering a distance of about 324 miles via I-64 and I-81 S.

The advantage of this route is that while it may take longer, it offers plenty of rest stops, restaurants, and gas stations along the way. However, several peak traffic points around Richmond, Roanoke, and Blacksburg can significantly impact your drive time.

Conclusion

Depending on your driving needs and preferences, all three routes have their merits and demerits. While OH-33 W is the fastest, US-35 W, and US-19 S is the scenic drive option, I-64, and I-81 S is the slowest. So, choose your route wisely, leave early, avoid peak traffic times, and enjoy your road trip adventure from Athens, Ohio, to Wise, Virginia.