Don't Get Lost On Your Way to Amherst, MA!

If you're planning a trip from Ayer to Amherst, MA, there are a few routes you could take. Some will get you there quicker, but others might offer some scenic views along the way. Here are some key factors to keep in mind when planning your drive.

The Quickest Route

If time is of the essence, your best bet is to take the quickest route. That involves hopping onto Route 2 West and staying on it for about 50 miles until you reach I-91 North. Take Exit 19 for UMass, and you'll be in Amherst in no time. This route covers a total of about 54 miles.

As far as time goes, things can vary depending on the time of day and any traffic delays you may encounter. In ideal conditions, you can expect the drive to take about an hour. During peak traffic times, however, that time may balloon to an hour and a half or even two hours. If you're hoping to avoid major traffic snarls, try to plan your drive for a weekday during non-rush-hour times.

The Scenic Route

The quickest route may not be the most picturesque, however. One option you could consider is to take Route 2 West, but then hop off of it and follow Route 63 South through Northfield. From there, you can pick up Route 47 South, which will take you right into Amherst. This longer route covers about 71 miles.

While you'll have to add some extra time to your drive, this route offers stunning views of the rolling hills and winding roads of western Massachusetts. Plan for about an hour and 45 minutes of driving time if you take this route. Traffic shouldn't be too much of an issue, since you'll be traveling on some lesser-used roads.

The Route Through Worcester

Another option to consider if you want to avoid traffic on the quickest route is to take a longer path. This one involves heading east on Route 2 and then picking up I-190 South in Leominster. From there, you'll take I-290 West to I-495 North, and then you'll get on Route 9 West. This route covers a total of about 73 miles.

For many people, this route might be a bit too indirect—after all, you'll be traveling pretty far south before heading back north toward Amherst. You can expect to spend about an hour and 40 minutes on the road if you take this route, and traffic shouldn't be too bad once you get beyond Worcester.

Wrapping Up

There are plenty of ways to get from Ayer to Amherst, and which route you choose will likely depend on your priorities. Folks who simply want to get there as quickly as possible should opt for the Route 2/I-91 path, while those who want some scenery might prefer the Route 63/Route 47 route. And if you're hoping to avoid traffic altogether, the Worcester detour could be for you.

No matter which route you choose, take some time to enjoy the beauty of Massachusetts as you travel. Who knows? You might even find a new favorite spot along the way!