Driving Time between Bloomington, Illinois and City of Albany, New York

A picture depicting driving

Road Trip from Bloomington to Albany: How Long Will it Take?

Are you planning a road trip from Bloomington, Illinois to City of Albany, New York? Before you hit the road, it’s important to know the fastest and slowest routes, and how long it will take you to get there. Here’s a breakdown of the time it takes to drive from Bloomington to Albany, and what you can expect along the way.

Fastest Route: Via I-80 East

The fastest and most direct route from Bloomington to Albany is via I-80 East. This route covers a distance of about 830 miles and typically takes around 12 hours and 30 minutes to drive. Of course, this estimated time is based on steady traffic patterns and no stops along the way. But if you hit the road at a high-traffic time, like during rush hour, you can expect the travel time to be longer.

Slowest Route: Via US-20 East

The slowest route from Bloomington to Albany is via US-20 East. This route is longer, covering a distance of about 1,050 miles, and typically takes around 15 hours to drive. However, this route will take you through some scenic areas of the country, with plenty of opportunities to stop and explore along the way. Just keep in mind that the travel time on this route will vary depending on traffic patterns, so be sure to check for traffic updates before hitting the road.

Driving Time Based on Traffic Patterns

If you want to know how long it will take to drive from Bloomington to Albany based on the time of day you’re traveling, here’s what you can expect:

  • Peak traffic times: If you hit the road during peak traffic times, like during rush hour in the morning or evening, you can expect the travel time to be longer. On the fastest route, it may take you closer to 14 hours to arrive in Albany. On the slower route, you can tack on an extra hour or so to the overall travel time.
  • Low traffic times: If you hit the road during low traffic times, like in the middle of the day or late at night, you can expect the travel time to be shorter. On the fastest route, it may take you closer to 11 hours to arrive in Albany. On the slower route, you can expect to shave an hour or two off the overall travel time.

Plan Your Route

When planning your road trip from Bloomington to Albany, consider the route that aligns with your interests and timeline. If you’re in a rush and want to get there as quickly as possible, take the fastest route via I-80 East. But if you’re looking for a leisurely road trip with plenty of stops along the way, the slower route via US-20 East might be a better fit for you.

No matter which route you choose, just be sure to check the traffic patterns and plan your trip accordingly. With some careful planning and a sense of adventure, you’ll be able to enjoy the journey as much as the destination!