Driving From East to West: How Long Does It Take To Drive From Baltimore, Maryland to Westminster, Colorado?

If you're planning a road trip from the East Coast to the West, you may be wondering how long it takes to drive from Baltimore, Maryland to Westminster, Colorado. The answer, of course, depends on several factors, such as which route you take, the time of day, and traffic patterns. To help you make the most informed decision, we've done some research and gathered information about the fastest and slowest routes, as well as driving times at peak and low traffic times.

The Fastest and Slowest Routes

There are several routes you can take to drive from Baltimore, Maryland to Westminster, Colorado, but the fastest route involves taking I-70 westward. This route is approximately 1,740 miles and should take you around 27 hours if you drive straight through without stopping. However, keep in mind that this drive still covers a lot of ground and can be long and tiring. From there, you can take exit 269B for US-36 toward Denver/Boulder.

The slowest and longest route would be to take I-95 south until you reach I-10 West, then take that through Arizona and New Mexico until you hit I-25 North towards Colorado before taking 36 to Denver. This route will take you about 33 hours and cover roughly 2,310 miles.

Driving Times Based on Traffic Patterns

Of course, traffic patterns can greatly affect your driving time, especially if you're taking the fastest route through I-70. If you're traveling during peak traffic times, such as rush hour or holiday weekends, you'll likely experience congested traffic and delays. At peak traffic times, the driving time for the fastest route can be as long as 32 hours. However, if you're driving during low traffic times, such as early in the morning or late at night, you can reduce your driving time by several hours, to roughly 25 hours along I-70.

Different Options and Drive Times

While the fastest route through I-70 is the most direct and efficient, there are other options to consider that may be more scenic and enjoyable, but take longer. For instance, you could take I-76 West through Pennsylvania and Ohio, which then connects to I-80 West through Illinois, Iowa, and Nebraska, before connecting to I-76 West again in Colorado. This alternate route is approximately 1,840 miles and takes around 29 hours to drive from Baltimore to Westminster.

Another option to consider is taking US-50 West through West Virginia, Kentucky, and Missouri before connecting to I-70 in Kansas. This scenic route is approximately 1,910 miles long and can take around 31 hours. Plus, you'll get to see the scenic and historic route through Route 50.

In conclusion, driving from Baltimore, Maryland to Westminster, Colorado can be a long but rewarding road trip. To make the most of your journey, consider the routes and traffic patterns discussed above. Stay safe, plan accordingly, and have fun on your adventure from coast to coast!