The Great Bend to Traverse City Drive: Exploring Travel Time

If you're planning a cross-country drive from Bend, Oregon to Traverse City, Michigan, then it's essential to know the travel time for this long journey. The route you choose and the traffic condition will determine the travel time, which can vary by hours. This blog post is aimed at providing the information you need to make an informed decision and plan your trip smoothly.

The Fastest Route

The shortest and quickest route to traverse from Bend, Oregon to Traverse City, Michigan, is a journey of 2,244 miles that can take you around 34 hours of driving time. The fastest route is along the I-80 E Interstate Highway, followed by the I-29 N and I-94 E.

You can also choose to travel to the east on US-30 E and I-80 E to I-94 E, driving straight through four states and crossing unique landscapes along the way. The route promises to offer stunning views of mountains, rolling hills, and sparkling waters of the Great Lakes.

The Scenic Route

If you're up for more adventure and wouldn't mind a slightly longer travel time, you can take a scenic route to Michigan, which is more enjoyable than the faster and shorter option. Start your journey from Holbrook Road and follow US-20 E. As you drive through the Plains states, be sure to make stops along the way to explore some of the country's most hidden gems. You can take your time, savor the views, and enjoy some local coffee in the quirky small towns and cities you'll pass through.

It's worth noting that this route is not for the faint-hearted and requires a lot of patience and energy. The journey typically takes about 44 hours, but you can savor the scenic route's beautiful views and stop in some of the state parks along the way.

Traffic Conditions

As with any cross-country drive, it's essential to consider traffic conditions when planning your journey. You can expect to encounter traffic in major cities like Chicago, which may lead to a bit of a delay. However, if you plan your journey to avoid peak traffic times, then you can save yourself a lot of time.

For example, if you set out early in the morning, you may be able to avoid the morning rush hour traffic, and vice versa. With some careful traffic planning, you could end up saving a considerable amount of time and energy.

In Conclusion

The time it takes to drive from Bend, Oregon, to Traverse City, Michigan, depends on the route you take and traffic conditions. It's important to plan your journey to ensure that you arrive at your destination safely and on time. Whether you choose to take the scenic route or the quickest option, be sure to immerse yourself in the beautiful landscapes and small towns along the way. Safe travels!