Cruisin' from Beltsville to Havre de Grace: Navigating the MD Traffic

If you're considering road tripping from Beltsville down to the picturesque waterfront town of Havre de Grace, you're probably wondering how long it'll take you. Well, it depends on the route you choose, the time of day, and of course, the traffic. But don't stress - we've done the research so you can make the most informed decision possible.

The Fastest and Slowest Routes

The quickest way to get from Beltsville to Havre de Grace is via I-95 N, which will take you approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes in low traffic. However, if you're traveling during peak hours, expect this route to take double the time, up to 2 hours and 30 minutes. If you're looking to avoid any significant traffic altogether, and take the scenic route, your best bet is to take the US-1 N, but note that this will take you closer to 2.5 hours during low traffic, or up to 5 hours during peak hours. The distance between Beltsville and Havre de Grace is about 80 miles.

Traffic Estimates

Plan your road trip accordingly by keeping in mind the traffic estimates for each route. For the I-95 N route, typically Monday to Friday, it is expected that the peak hour traffic lies between 7 AM to 10 AM and 4 PM to 7 PM. Hence, your best bet would be to avoid these times if you're in a rush to get to your destination. On weekends, expect moderately heavy traffic along I-95 N, as this is a popular route for commuters and weekend warriors. The US-1 N route, on the other hand, offers lower traffic conditions throughout the day, but still, expect some traffic around peak hours.

Our Recommendations

Traffic is ever-changing and can be unpredictable, so consider planning your departure time accordingly. If you're taking the I-95 N route, try to avoid peak hours if possible - perhaps leave earlier in the morning around 6 AM or make the most out of your day and leave around 8 PM. If you're not in a rush and are keen to check out some charming sites along the way, the US-1 N route offers winding roads, lush scenery, and stops worth visiting. For example, you can stop by the Susquehanna State Park en route, which is around halfway between Beltsville and Havre de Grace. Also, with the US-1 N route, there is a rather lovely short-cut. You can switch to the I-95 N, via exit 89 - so you'll get to sightsee some beautiful Maryland countryside while still taking advantage of a lower traffic flow.

So, When Should You Go?

For an optimal driving experience, plan your trip ahead by considering a variety of routes and potential traffic congestion. To summarize, the fastest route from Beltsville to Havre de Grace is via I-95 N, where you can expect to arrive in around 1 hour and 15 minutes in low traffic. The slowest route is via US-1 N which can take about 2.5 hours with some traffic and up to 5 hours during peak hours. When to go? Ideally in low traffic hours - avoid the peak hours on I-95 N Monday to Friday, but US-1 N is usually less crowded. Whatever route you choose, don't forget to relish the journey - there’s charm around every corner throughout Maryland and always something to discover!