The Ultimate Guide to Driving from Bluffton, SC to Downtown Kansas City, MO
Are you planning a road trip from Bluffton, South Carolina to Downtown Kansas City, Missouri? The drive can be a long and exhausting one, but it doesn't have to be! In this guide, we'll explore the fastest and slowest routes between the two cities, how long it takes to drive on those routes, and when to hit the road to avoid peak traffic.
The Fastest and Slowest Routes
The fastest route to Downtown Kansas City from Bluffton is to take I-26 W and I-70 W. It's a total distance of approximately 1,090 miles and should take about 16 hours to drive straight through. This route will take you through cities like Atlanta, Nashville, and St. Louis, so traffic can vary depending on the time of day.
However, taking I-70 W straight through can be slow-moving in cities like St. Louis and Kansas City, especially during rush hour. To avoid traffic, taking a more southern route can be a good option. Taking I-26 W, I-40 W, and I-44 W can total roughly the same distance but can take about 20-21 hours to drive through. Though you'll miss out on Nashville, you can visit cities like Memphis and Oklahoma City on this route.
Traffic Patterns
In any road trip, traffic patterns can be the deciding factor in how long you're on the road. The days and times you choose to travel can make a huge difference in how quickly you get there. Rush hour in most major cities tends to happen between 7-9 am and 4-6 pm. On weekdays, it can be much busier with commuters.
Peak Traffic Times
- Atlanta: 7-9 am and 4-6 pm
- Nashville: 7-9 am and 4-6 pm
- St. Louis: 6-9 am and 3-6 pm
- Kansas City: 6-9 am and 3-6 pm
Low Traffic Times
If you want to avoid the heavy rush hour traffic, consider traveling on weekends or starting your drive much earlier in the morning. As always, be mindful of holidays and other large events in the cities you're driving through.
Travel Time
Travel time can vary based on traffic patterns as well as the route you choose. The fastest route from Bluffton, SC to Downtown Kansas City, MO can take about 16 hours. However, taking a more southern route can take roughly 20-21 hours to drive through.
Fastest Route
- I-26 W and I-70 W
- Approximately 1,090 miles
- ~16 hours
Southern Route
- I-26 W, I-40 W, and I-44 W
- Approximately 1,090 miles
- ~20-21 hours
Conclusion
No matter which route you choose, driving from Bluffton, SC to Downtown Kansas City, MO can take anywhere from 16 to 21 hours. Plan your route ahead of time, considering your own time constraints and what you want to see along the way. And don't forget to check for heavy traffic times in major cities along your route so you can avoid them as much as possible. Safe travels!