From Beaufort, SC to Wellington, FL: A Road Trip Comparison

Are you planning a road trip from Beaufort, South Carolina to Wellington, Florida? Whether it’s for a family vacation, a quick getaway, or a business trip, driving can be an adventurous and exciting way to get to your destination. But before hitting the road, you must plan accordingly and factor in driving time and distance. In this blog post, we’ll compare the fastest and slowest routes from Beaufort, SC to Wellington, FL, including driving time at peak traffic times and low traffic times.

Fastest Route: Via I-95 S

If speed is your top priority, take the I-95 South. This route is the shortest, spanning a total of 473 miles and takes approximately 7 hours and 40 minutes of total driving time, assuming there is no traffic. However, this route can become congested in high traffic areas like Jacksonville, FL, and Miami, FL. During peak traffic times, it can add up to an extra hour or two of driving time. So, if you’re driving during rush hour, plan for an additional 1-2 hours of travel time.

Slowest Route: Via US-17 S

If you have more time on your hands and want to enjoy scenic countryside views, you can take US-17 South. However, this route is longer, spanning a total of 600 miles and takes approximately 10 hours and 30 minutes of total driving time, assuming there is no traffic. Although this route has less traffic and is more straightforward than I-95 S, it adds an extra 2-3 hours of travel time.

Best of Both Worlds: A Combo Route

If you want to balance speed and scenery, your best option is to take a combination of the I-95 S and the US-17 S. Start by taking the I-95 S for the first 375 miles, then take the US-17 S for the remaining 225 miles. This route is a total of 600 miles, and it takes approximately 9 hours and 17 minutes of total driving time, assuming there is no traffic. It’s a great way to cut down on travel time without sacrificing all the picturesque views.

Peak Traffic Time versus Low Traffic Time

Driving during peak traffic times can increase travel times, so it’s a good idea to check the traffic patterns before hitting the road. Generally, peak traffic times in Florida are from 7:00 am to 9:00 am, and from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. If you’re driving during these times, you can expect to add an extra hour or two of driving time.

Final Thoughts

Driving from Beaufort, SC to Wellington, FL can be a fun way to explore the east coast. Whether you take I-95 S, US-17 S, or a combination of both, make sure to factor in traffic patterns and potential delays. If time is not a hindrance, choose the US-17 S route and enjoy the scenery at your leisure. Safe travels!