Road Trip to Wichita: Driving Time from Birmingham
Are you planning a road trip from Birmingham, Alabama to Wichita, Kansas? Whether you're moving to a new city or just taking a vacation, it's important to know how long the drive will take you. In this post, we'll explore the different routes you can take and the time it takes to drive them.
Fastest Route
If you're trying to get from point A to point B as quickly as possible, then you'll want to take the I-40 W and I-35 N route. The distance from Birmingham to Wichita using this route is approximately 756 miles. At a steady speed of 60 miles per hour, the driving time is about 12 and a half hours.
But keep in mind that this is the ideal travel time. Actual driving time may vary depending on traffic, weather, and other factors.
Slowest Route
If you're in no hurry and want to enjoy the scenic beauty of the Midwest, then Highway 69 through Arkansas and Missouri is a good choice. The distance between Birmingham and Wichita using this route is approximately 900 miles. At a steady speed of 60 miles per hour, the driving time is about 15 hours.
Although this route is longer, the scenery is beautiful and there are plenty of small towns and attractions to explore along the way.
Route via Memphis
If you're looking for something in the middle of the fastest and the slowest route, then the route via Memphis is a good option. Take I-22 W to Memphis and then I-40 W to Little Rock. From there, take I-440 W to I-30 W towards Dallas, then I-35 N to Wichita. The distance between Birmingham and Wichita using this route is approximately 840 miles. At a steady speed of 60 miles per hour, the driving time is about 14 hours.
The advantage of this route is that you get to pass through Memphis, which is famous for its music and food scene. You can take a detour and explore Graceland, the National Civil Rights Museum, and Beale Street.
Peak Traffic vs. Low Traffic
When planning your trip, keep in mind that driving times can vary greatly depending on traffic patterns. If you're driving during rush hour or on a holiday weekend, you can expect delays and longer driving times.
According to recent traffic data, the best time to drive from Birmingham to Wichita is on a Wednesday or a Thursday during off-peak hours. The worst time to drive is on Fridays during rush hour and on holiday weekends.
Here is a breakdown of estimated driving times from Birmingham to Wichita:
- Fastest Route (I-40 W and I-35 N): 12.5 hours (low traffic), 15.5+ hours (peak traffic)
- Slowest Route (Highway 69): 15 hours (low traffic), 18+ hours (peak traffic)
- Route via Memphis: 14 hours (low traffic), 17+ hours (peak traffic)
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are several routes you can take from Birmingham to Wichita, each with its own pros and cons. The fastest route may save you time, but the scenery on the slowest route is worth the extra driving.
When planning your road trip, be sure to check traffic patterns and plan accordingly so you can make the most of your travel time. Safe travels!