How Long Does It Take To Drive From Bellingham, WA to Phoenix, AZ?

If you're planning a road trip down to sunny Phoenix from Bellingham, Washington, you may be wondering how long it's going to take. The distance between the two cities is approximately 1,300 miles, so the answer to that question largely depends on the route you take and the traffic patterns you encounter along the way. Here are a few things to keep in mind when planning your journey.

The Fastest Routes

If you're looking for the quickest way to get to Phoenix, you'll probably want to take the I-5 South to the I-205 South and then connect to the I-80 East. This route will take you through Idaho and Utah before connecting to the I-15 South, which will eventually lead you right into Phoenix. On a clear day, you could make the trip in just under 20 hours, but that doesn't account for the necessary rest stops and gas fill-ups along the way.

Another option, slightly shorter but with slower speed limits, is to connect to the I-90 East in Seattle then take the I-82 South to the I-84 East in Oregon, which follows the banks of the Columbia River through the eastern part of the state before crossing into Idaho. Once you're in Idaho, you'll connect to the I-15 South, joining the same route as the first option.

The Scenic Route

Some may favor the slower route, partly because of the incredible sights along the way. If you have a few extra days and are up for an adventure, there's always the option of taking the Pacific Coast Highway Route, which will carry you through the most beautiful part of the Oregon coast before linking up with I-5 in San Francisco. With this approach, you should be able to reach Phoenix in a couple of long days behind the wheel.

Traffic Patterns

Traffic patterns are much harder to predict, but you should always take into account the fact that you are likely to strike some level of traffic. Traffic conditions will also affect your overall journey. Peak season will be slower, and there may be traffic jams and fuel stops that will add extra time to your travel. Nonetheless, you can always look up the current driving conditions to help plan your trip better.

In summary, there are a few routes you can choose from when driving from Bellingham, WA to Phoenix, AZ. Some routes are longer, but are slower and filled with many scenic sights. However, with shorter routes, there tends to be more traffic; hence you have to factor that into your travel time. Nonetheless, your journey will scale with the choice of route you make.