The Road Trip from Bar Harbor, Maine to Ridgely, Maryland
Are you planning a road trip from Bar Harbor, Maine, to Ridgely, Maryland? Well, you're in for a treat! Let me give you a rundown of what to expect along the way and the different driving options.
Fastest versus Slowest Routes
The fastest way to get to Ridgely from Bar Harbor is by taking I-95 S. This route is about 650 miles long and cuts through several states, including New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland. Thanks to the Interstate Highway System, this route is all smooth sailing and will take you about 11 hours, depending on traffic.
However, if you want to take the scenic route, you can opt for US-13 S, which runs along the coast of Delaware and eastern Maryland. This route is slightly shorter, about 600 miles, but it's slower due to traffic and several stoplights. You can expect to arrive in Ridgely in about 13 hours.
The Distance and Time Based on Traffic Patterns
When driving from Bar Harbor, the first leg of the journey is on the I-95, which takes you all the way down to New York City. This route can be quite congested, especially during rush hour, so plan accordingly. If you're hitting traffic on this stretch, it could add up to 2 hours to your journey.
Once you get past NYC, you'll enjoy a speedy drive down to the Delaware Memorial Bridge on I-295. Again, watch out for traffic, especially if you're driving through Baltimore or Wilmington during peak travel times. Your best bet is to plan your route to avoid any major cities during rush hour.
From the Delaware Memorial Bridge, it's a straight shot down US 301-S, and you should arrive in Ridgely in about an hour. Just like any other route, traffic can impact how long this final leg takes.
Driving Time at Peak Traffic Times and Low Traffic Times
To give you a better idea of how long the journey will take based on traffic, let me give you some driving time estimates. If you're leaving during the weekend, expect heavier traffic in all major cities, especially on Friday evenings and Sunday afternoons. Here's a breakdown of the driving time during peak traffic times and low traffic times:
Fastest route (I-95 S)
- Peak traffic time: 12-14 hours
- Low traffic time: 10-11 hours
Scenic route (US-13 S)
- Peak traffic time: 14-15 hours
- Low traffic time: 12-13 hours
Conclusion
In conclusion, both routes offer different experiences and travel times, depending on your preferences. The fastest route is the I-95 S, which cuts through several states, while the scenic route, US-13 S, takes you along the coast of Delaware and Eastern Maryland. Regardless of which route you choose, make sure to plan ahead for traffic to avoid any road bumps. Safe travels!