The Road from Aurora to Portland: How Long Will It Take You?

Are you looking to drive from Aurora, Colorado to Portland, Maine? Maybe you're taking a cross country road trip or moving for a job opportunity. Either way, you're probably wondering how long it will take you to make the journey.

Fast and Slow Routes

First things first: there are a few different routes you can take. The fastest route is to take I-70 east through Kansas City and St. Louis, then I-64 east through Louisville, and finally I-65 to Indianapolis and then I-70 to Columbus. From there, you'll take I-71 north to Cleveland, and then I-90 east into New York state. Once you hit Albany, you can take I-87 north through the Adirondacks and into Vermont, then I-89 to New Hampshire, and finally I-93 and I-95 into Maine. This journey is about 2,100 miles and takes around 34 hours.

Alternatively, you could take a more southern route through Texas and the East Coast. This route would take you down I-25 to Denver, then I-80 through Nebraska and Iowa. From there, hit I-74 through Illinois and Indiana, and then I-65 through Kentucky and Tennessee. Once you've reached Georgia, take I-20 to South Carolina, and then I-95 to Maine. This journey is about 2,450 miles and takes around 40 hours.

Peak Traffic vs. Low Traffic

Now that you know your route options, you're probably wondering about traffic. Rush hour in cities you'll be driving through can add a lot of extra time to your journey. For example, traffic around Chicago can be unpredictable, so if you're driving through during peak times, you could be delayed by several hours between the 5 PM and 6 PM rush hour. Traffic around Boston is also notorious, so plan accordingly.

The Southern route has a few more congested cities with the potential for traffic during rush hour, such as Atlanta and Charlotte. If you're driving through these cities during peak hours, you should plan for extra time on the road.

Final Thoughts

So how long will it take to drive from Aurora, Colorado to Portland, Maine? If you choose the fastest route and drive at low-traffic times, you could make it in about 30 hours. If you choose the southern route or have to deal with rush hour traffic, it could take closer to 45 hours.

Remember, while it's important to budget your time, it's also crucial to take breaks and rest when you need it. Driving long distances can be tiring, so make sure you're well-rested and alert when behind the wheel. We wish you happy travels and safe driving!