Road Trip to Rhode Island: How Long Does It Really Take to Get There?
Are you planning on hitting the road from Bethlehem, New Hampshire to North Smithfield, Rhode Island? Whether you're visiting relatives, heading to the beach, or catching a game at the ballpark, timing is everything when you're on the road. It's important to know the quickest and slowest routes between the two destinations, how far they are, and how long it takes to drive based on traffic patterns. Let's take a look!
Fastest and Slowest Routes
If time is of the essence and you want to get to North Smithfield as quickly as possible, your best bet will be to take I-93 S and I-95 S. This route is the shortest distance between the two destinations at around 147 miles and should take you about 2 hours and 30 minutes to drive, barring any traffic jams. If you're looking to take a more leisurely drive and enjoy the scenery, you can choose a longer route that takes you through beautiful New England towns like Keene, Peterborough, and Worcester. This scenic route is about 182 miles and should take you around 3 hours and 20 minutes to drive.
Traffic Patterns
No matter what route you choose, traffic patterns can have a significant impact on your journey. As with any major highway, traffic volume and time of day can greatly impact your travel time. Based on our research, we found that mid-week afternoons between 1 and 3 PM generally have the least amount of traffic, with a travel time of around 2 hours and 30 minutes. In contrast, early mornings and evenings during the week, as well as weekends, can add anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour to your travel time.
Low Traffic vs. Peak Traffic
To give you a better idea of the time it takes to travel from Bethlehem, NH to North Smithfield, RI, we've compiled a breakdown of low traffic and peak traffic times for each route.
I-93 S and I-95 S Route
- Low Traffic: 2 hours and 30 minutes
- Peak Traffic: 3 hours
Scenic Route
- Low Traffic: 3 hours and 20 minutes
- Peak Traffic: 4 hours
Conclusion
No matter which route you choose, driving from Bethlehem, NH to North Smithfield, RI is doable in a day. We recommend checking traffic reports and planning your route accordingly to ensure the smoothest journey possible. If you want to save time, taking the interstate is the way to go, while those looking for a more scenic journey can take the longer, less-trafficked route. Whatever your preference, we hope you have a fantastic road trip filled with amazing memories!