The Journey from Barrow-in-Furness to Portsmouth: A Guide

If you're planning a road trip from Barrow-in-Furness to Portsmouth, you may be wondering just how long it will take you to get there. The truth is, there are a number of different routes you can take, each with their own driving time depending on traffic patterns. Here's a breakdown of the fastest and slowest routes, the distance of each route, and the approximate driving time based on high and low traffic.

The Fastest Route

The fastest route from Barrow-in-Furness to Portsmouth is via the M6, M40, and A34. This route is approximately 330 miles long and takes around 5 hours and 40 minutes to drive in good traffic conditions. During peak traffic times, however, this route can take significantly longer. If you're driving during rush hour, you can expect the journey to take closer to 7 hours.

The Scenic Route

If you're not in a rush, taking the scenic route can be a great option. Driving down the west coast of England along the A595 and A590 will take you through the beautiful Lake District, offering stunning views along the way. From there you can join the M6 and follow the same route as above. While this route is a little longer (approximately 370 miles), it's worth it if you have time to spare. The journey takes around 6 hours and 10 minutes in good traffic conditions, although as with the previous route, this can be significantly longer during peak traffic times.

The Slowest Route

The slowest but most direct route from Barrow-in-Furness to Portsmouth is via the A34. This route is approximately 327 miles long, but due to the many small towns and villages you'll need to pass through, it can take up to 9 hours to complete in poor traffic conditions. During good traffic conditions, the journey should take around 6 hours and 40 minutes.

Alternative Routes

Depending on your starting point and final destination, you may be able to take an alternative route. For example, if you're starting from the south of Barrow-in-Furness, taking the A590 and M6 may be a quicker option than the M6 and M40. Similarly, if your final destination is on the east side of Portsmouth, taking the A3 may be quicker than the A34.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the time it takes to drive from Barrow-in-Furness to Portsmouth depends on a number of factors, including traffic patterns, the route you take, and your starting and ending points. To avoid getting stuck in traffic, it's worth using a journey planner to find the best route for your specific journey. Safe travels!