Road Tripping: How Long Will it Take to Drive from Beckley, West Virginia to Columbia, Maryland?

Looking to take a road trip from Beckley, West Virginia to Columbia, Maryland but not sure how long it will take? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! There are a few routes you can take, each with their own drive time, distance, and traffic patterns. Here’s a breakdown of each route available to you.

Fastest Route: Beckley, WV to Columbia, MD via I-70 E

The fastest route from Beckley to Columbia is via I-70 E. This route is approximately 288 miles and will take you around 4 hours and 20 minutes to complete. This estimate is based on optimal traffic conditions. In peak traffic, this drive time may exceed 5 hours. However, if you’re looking for the quickest way to get to Columbia from Beckley, this is your best bet.

Slowest Route: Beckley, WV to Columbia, MD via US-219 N and I-68 E

If you’re looking to take a more scenic route, or perhaps avoid major highways, US-219 N and I-68 E might be more your speed. Although it’s a longer drive at approximately 348 miles, it offers a unique opportunity to see more of West Virginia and Maryland. This route takes approximately 6 hours and 30 minutes. Keep in mind, however, that due to smaller roads and winding turns, this may take longer than expected.

Traffic Patterns

Any route can be subject to traffic, whether it’s I-70 E or a smaller road like US-219 N. Expect that weekend travel times may be longer due to increased traffic volume. However, if you’re looking to avoid peak traffic times, consider leaving early in the morning or after rush hour. Friday afternoon to evening and Sunday afternoon are typically peak traffic times. This could add an hour or more onto your drive time, so plan your trip accordingly to avoid any frustration.

Final Thoughts

In summary, the fastest route from Beckley, West Virginia to Columbia, Maryland is via I-70 E, with an estimated drive time of 4 hours and 20 minutes. The slowest route is via US-219 N and I-68 E, with an estimated drive time of 6 hours and 30 minutes. Both routes, however, may be subject to traffic delays, so plan accordingly. Safe travels and happy road tripping!