Road Trip to Remember: Driving from Bentonville, Arkansas to Charleston, West Virginia

Are you looking for an exciting and adventurous road trip? Then look no further than the scenic drive from Bentonville, Arkansas to Charleston, West Virginia. This route is over 800 miles long and filled with natural wonders and breathtaking landscapes. In this blog, we’ll go over the fastest and slowest routes, the distance of that route, and the time it takes based on traffic patterns.

Fastest Routes

If you’re looking for the quickest route, then you should take the I-40 E and I-81 N. This route covers a distance of approximately 829 miles and takes around 12 hours and 20 minutes to drive. Here, you’ll pass through cities like Knoxville, Roanoke, and Lynchburg. The fastest route is usually the most popular, so traffic tends to be a bit heavy, especially during peak times.

If you’re looking for a more scenic route, then you may want to take the US-71 N and I-44 E. You’ll pass through cities like Springfield, St. Louis, and Indianapolis, and the route covers a distance of approximately 880 miles. It takes around 13 and a half hours to drive, so it's not the quickest option. But if you want to see some beautiful landscapes and some less frequented cities, this route might be the perfect choice for you.

Longest Routes

If you have lots of time and don't mind taking a longer route, then you can take US-71 N and I-55 N. This route covers a distance of approximately 968 miles and takes around 15 hours and 30 minutes to drive. Here, you’ll drive through cities like Kansas City, St. Louis, Indianapolis, and Cincinnati. While this route will take you through various cities, it’s quite long, and traffic tends to be a bit heavy, especially in major cities.

Another long but less crowded option is to take the US-62 E and I-64 E route. This route covers a distance of approximately 923 miles and takes around 14 hours and 30 minutes to drive. You’ll pass through cities like Little Rock, Memphis, Louisville, and Huntington. While the distance and time taken to drive may be higher, this route may offer you some beautiful landscapes and less traffic to contend with.

Peak Traffic Times

Peak traffic times can significantly add to the commute time, so it's always better to avoid them if you can. The best time to start your journey is early in the morning or late at night when traffic tends to be lighter. But if you're traveling during peak times, keep in mind that you may need to add extra time to your schedule. Peak traffic times in major cities tend to be between 7 AM-9 AM and 4 PM-7 PM.

Low Traffic Times

If you prefer to drive when traffic is light, then consider traveling during off-peak times. These times tend to be in the early morning or late at night when everyone is asleep. Keep in mind that traveling during off-peak times may add a considerable amount of time to your journey, so plan accordingly.

Conclusion

Regardless of the route you choose, the drive from Bentonville, Arkansas to Charleston, West Virginia is an epic adventure that's sure to create lasting memories. So grab a map, pack some snacks, and hit the road. With so many route options available, you're sure to find the perfect one for you!