Road Tripping: A Quick Guide from Athens to Simpsonville

If you're planning a road trip from Athens-Clarke County Unified Government, Georgia to Simpsonville, South Carolina, you're in for a treat! Both cities are great destinations on their own, but the drive between them can be a bit of a headache if you're not prepared. In this blog post, we'll give you an overview of the different routes you can take, the distance of each route, the time it takes to get there, and some tips on how to avoid traffic.

Fastest and Slowest Routes

The fastest route from Athens to Simpsonville is via I-85 North, which takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to travel the 100-mile distance between the two cities. However, this route may not be the best option during peak traffic hours since it can get congested around Greenville.

If you're looking for a more scenic route, you can take Highway 78 to Highway 81 North, then Highway 178 to Simpsonville. This route will take you through small towns and rural areas, and it has a total distance of 112 miles. However, be aware that this route might take you longer to arrive—around 2 hours due to some winding roads and lower speed limits.

Traffic Patterns and Travel Time

The time it takes to drive from Athens to Simpsonville largely depends on the traffic patterns. Weekdays, especially during rush hour, will have a higher volume of cars than weekends. So, it's best to plan your trip on a weekend or avoid peak hours if possible.

Using I-85, during peak traffic hours, expect a slower pace than the estimated 1 hour and 30 minutes driving time. Taking scenic backroads of 78, 81, and 178 might take longer than expected during such a scenario, causing the drive to be longer than the estimated 2 hours. Luckily, there is no shortage of great places to stop and rest or take scenic photos along the way!

Takeaways

The 100-mile drive from Athens to Simpsonville can be a fun and rewarding experience. Depending on your preferences, take any of the two routes we discussed. If you're short on driving time, I-85 might be your best bet. However, if you're looking to take things slowly and enjoy the beautiful landscapes, take the scenic backroads. Make sure to avoid peak traffic hours to have a smoother driving experience.

In any case, Simpsonville is a worthy destination, where you can explore its several attractions, like the Heritage Park or Simpsonville Farmers Market, or grab a bite from its delicious local restaurants. Happy driving!