Best Routes and Driving Times from Auburn to Amherst, Massachusetts

Whether you are driving to Amherst for business or pleasure, it is important to know the different options of driving routes and their corresponding driving times based on traffic patterns. Below we have listed some of the most efficient and popular routes for the drive from Auburn to Amherst.

Fastest Route: I-90 W

The fastest route to Amherst that will get you there as quickly as possible with a little traffic is driving along I-90 W. This route will take you about 74 miles and roughly 1 hour and 15 minutes to reach Amherst. It is best to take this route during non-peak hours when there is less traffic on the road.

Slowest Route: MA-20 W

If you’re up for scenic driving and have enough time to drive to Amherst, then taking MA-20 W might be the better option. This route will take approximately 1 hour and 35 minutes to cover the 56-mile stretch between Auburn and Amherst.

Distance Between Auburn and Amherst

The driving distance from Auburn to Amherst is approximately 57 miles via MA-9 W. This route takes you through some small towns and rural landscapes, which can make for an enjoyable ride. Alternatively, taking I-290 W and I-90 W is the longest route option, covering about 74 miles.

Traffic Patterns

Since you'll be traveling on some of the busiest highways in Massachusetts, it's important to know what traffic patterns you can expect during your trip. Peak hours of traffic on weekdays can range from 6 am to 10 am for inbound traffic and from 3 pm to 7 pm for outbound traffic.

On weekends, the most congested hours on the road are usually between 11 am and 4 pm. If you prefer to avoid traffic altogether, consider scheduling your drive outside of these hours.

Driving Time for Peak and Low-Traffic Times

To calculate the driving time from Auburn to Amherst during peak and low-traffic times, we recommend using Google Maps' "Traffic" feature. With this feature, you can see a live traffic report for your entire trip, as well as predicted road conditions for any given time of day.

During peak hours, it will take you between 1.5 – 2 hours to drive from Auburn to Amherst on either route. For low-traffic times, driving the I-90 W route can be completed under 1.25 hours, while MA-20 W route requires approximately 1.5 hours.

Conclusion

When it comes to driving from Auburn to Amherst, the best route to take depends on how much time you have, and what kind of experience you're after. Whether you choose a more scenic route or one that gets you to your destination as quickly as possible, knowing the best routes based on traffic patterns can help you plan your trip accordingly. Just remember to always double-check your route and traffic conditions before hitting the road to ensure a safe and stress-free drive.