How long does it take to drive from Bellingham, WA to Columbus, MT?

Are you planning a road trip from Bellingham, Washington to Columbus, Montana anytime soon? If so, you might be wondering how long of a drive it is and the best routes to take. Well, look no further! In this blog post, we'll break down the fastest and slowest routes, the distance of each route, and the estimated driving times based on traffic patterns.

Fastest Route

The fastest route from Bellingham to Columbus is via I-90 E. This is a 10-hour drive covering a distance of approximately 670 miles. The most efficient way to reach I-90 E from Bellingham is by heading east on Highway 542 until you reach Interstate 5. Once you hit I-5, drive south to exit 182, which will take you to I-90.

Slowest Route

If you're not in a rush and want to take a more scenic drive, then the slowest route is via MT-200 E. This will take you through some of Montana's beautiful natural landscape and the Flathead National Forest. However, be warned that this route adds an extra 2.5 hours of driving time and covers a distance of approximately 810 miles.

Traffic Patterns

The driving time between Bellingham and Columbus can vary greatly depending on traffic patterns. If you're driving during peak traffic times, it could take up to 12 hours to reach your destination. However, if you time your drive perfectly and hit low traffic, you could arrive in Columbus in as little as 9 hours.

If maximizing your vacation time is important to you, consider hitting the road early to avoid the chaos of rush hour traffic. On the other hand, if you're looking to take your time and soak up the scenery along the way, then aim to hit the road during off-peak hours.

Other Route Options

There are a few other ways to get to Columbus from Bellingham, including taking Highway 2 E to I-90 E or MT-200 E. These two routes add on a few extra hours of driving time, but they may be a more convenient option depending on where you're starting from in Bellingham and where you plan to stay in Columbus.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the fastest way to drive from Bellingham, Washington to Columbus, Montana is via I-90 E. This takes approximately 10 hours and covers a distance of around 670 miles. If you have extra time and want to take a more scenic drive, then the route via MT-200 E is a great option, but be prepared for an extra 2.5 hours of driving time. Whatever route you choose, remember to check traffic patterns and plan accordingly to arrive at your destination safely and in a timely manner. Happy travels!