The Great Southern Road Trip: Driving from Benton, KY to Jacksonville, NC

Are you planning the ultimate southern road trip? Perhaps you're relocating from Benton, Kentucky to Jacksonville, North Carolina and you're wondering how long it will take to reach your destination? Whatever your situation may be, driving from Benton, KY to Jacksonville, NC is a doable trip--and a scenic one, at that.

The Fastest and Slowest Routes

There are a few different ways to get from Benton, KY to Jacksonville, NC. The fastest route takes you down I-24 E and I-40 E, and it comes out to 785 miles and around 11-12 hours of driving time. The slowest (but potentially most scenic) route would be to take smaller highways and country roads, which would take around 16-17 hours.

Traffic Patterns

Of course, traffic can make a big difference in your drive time. If you're driving during peak rush hour times, you can expect a bit of a delay. In general, travel during the day, on weekdays, and outside of rush hour to minimize traffic. For example, if you left early in the morning and avoided traffic, you could potentially make the drive in closer to 10 hours.

Driving Time for Different Routes

The fastest route, which is 785 miles, takes around 11-12 hours during off-peak times. Again, if you leave early or late to avoid traffic, it could be closer to 10.

If you take the scenic route (which might be more enjoyable, depending on your preferences!), it's around 1000 miles and would take around 16-17 hours.

Understanding Your Options

Ultimately, the route you choose (and when you leave) should depend on what you're looking for in your road trip. If you want to get to your destination as quickly as possible, take the fastest route and try to avoid peak traffic times. If you're in no particular hurry, taking a more scenic route through some southern states could be worthwhile.

No matter what you choose, bring snacks and entertainment for the drive and enjoy the journey!