The Ultimate Road Trip: Driving from Bedford, MA to Payson, AZ

Ready for an adventure? Imagine hitting the open road and driving all the way from Massachusetts to Arizona. This coast-to-coast journey will take you through a variety of landscapes, from rolling green hills to vast deserts. But before you pack your bags and fill your gas tank, you need to know just how long this road trip will take. In this blog post, we'll break down the time it takes to drive from Bedford, Massachusetts to Payson, Arizona, including the fastest and slowest routes, the distance of each route, and the driving time based on traffic patterns.

The Fastest Route: I-80 W and I-70 W

The quickest way to reach Payson from Bedford takes you across the country on I-80 and I-70. This route covers approximately 2,500 miles and takes around 36 hours to make the drive. You'll start by driving west on I-90 and then merge onto I-80 W, which will take you through Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, and Nebraska. Once you reach Utah, you'll transition onto I-70 W, which goes through Colorado before finally landing in Arizona.

The Scenic Route: I-90 W and I-15 S

If you prefer to take a more scenic route, consider taking I-90 and I-15. This option is about 2,800 miles long and takes roughly 40 hours to complete. You'll start by driving west on I-90 and go through New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, South Dakota, Wyoming, and Montana. Once you reach Idaho, you'll merge onto I-15 S, which will take you through Utah before you get to Arizona.

Peak Traffic Times

During peak traffic times, it's important to note that both of these drives could take longer than expected. Rush hour in large cities like Chicago and Denver can add hours to your journey, so plan accordingly. Additionally, it's worth noting that the summer months tend to be busier on the roads, so keep that in mind when planning your trip.

Low Traffic Times

If you're looking to avoid traffic as much as possible, the best times to drive would be during the early morning or overnight hours. This will help you bypass rush hour traffic, and many of the major cities will have less congestion during these quieter hours.

Distance Matters

It's important to remember that the distance of each route will impact the length of your road trip. The shorter route via I-80 and I-70 is about 2,500 miles long, whereas the longer route via I-90 and I-15 is approximately 2,800 miles long. If you're limited on time, taking the shorter route may be your best option. However, if you have more time and want to take advantage of some of the natural beauty along the way, the longer route may be worth exploring.

Conclusion

Whether you take the fastest route or opt for the scenic journey, driving from Bedford, Massachusetts to Payson, Arizona will be an adventure of a lifetime. Keep in mind the distance of each route, the traffic patterns during peak times, and the benefits of driving during off-peak times to maximize your journey. So pack up your car and hit the road, because the open road is calling.