Road Trip 101: How Long Does It Take to Drive from Bettendorf, Iowa to Norfolk, Virginia?

Are you thinking about taking a road trip from Bettendorf, Iowa to Norfolk, Virginia? Maybe you want to visit family, take in the beach, or enjoy some southern hospitality. Whatever the reason, it's helpful to know how long it will take you to get there. In this blog post, we will explore the fastest and slowest routes between the two cities, the distance of those routes, and the driving time based on traffic patterns.

The Fastest Route

The fastest route from Bettendorf, Iowa to Norfolk, Virginia is via I-74 E and I-64 E. According to Google Maps, the distance is 1032 miles, and it should take you 15 hours and 22 minutes to drive. However, this assumes smooth traffic patterns and no stops for food, gas, or rest. During peak traffic times, such as rush hour or holiday weekends, you can expect to add significant time to your driving time.

The Slowest Route

If you have extra time and want to take a more leisurely route, you could travel through the Appalachian Mountains via I-80 E, I-81 S, and I-64 E. This route is longer, at 1197 miles, and should take you approximately 19 hours and 41 minutes to drive. The upside to this route is the stunning scenery and unique roadside attractions. However, it's important to note that this route is more challenging to navigate and requires more attention to traffic and road conditions.

Calculating Driving Time

To get a better estimate of driving time, we can look at traffic patterns during peak and low periods. During peak traffic times, such as rush hour and holiday weekends, you can expect to add significant time to your driving time. On the other hand, during low traffic times, such as early morning or late-night drives, you may be able to shave off an hour or two from your driving time.

Based on past traffic patterns, driving from Bettendorf, Iowa to Norfolk, Virginia during peak traffic times may take between 17-19 hours, while driving during low traffic times may take between 13-14 hours. It's always a good idea to plan for some extra time in case of unexpected delays, such as construction or accidents.

Conclusion

In summary, driving from Bettendorf, Iowa to Norfolk, Virginia will take between 15-20 hours, depending on the route and traffic patterns. The fastest route via I-74 E and I-64 E is approximately 1032 miles and should take you around 15 hours and 22 minutes to drive. On the other hand, if you want to take a more leisurely route through the Appalachian Mountains, it will take approximately 19 hours and 41 minutes to drive the 1197 miles.

Regardless of which route you choose, planning ahead for traffic patterns and unexpected delays can help make your road trip from Bettendorf, Iowa to Norfolk, Virginia more enjoyable and stress-free. Happy travels!