How Long Does it Take to Drive from Boston, Massachusetts to Arlington, Virginia?

Are you planning a road trip from Boston, Massachusetts to Arlington, Virginia? Well, buckle up because we’ve got all the info you need to know before hitting the road.

Fastest and Slowest Routes

The fastest and most direct route from Boston to Arlington is via I-90 W and I-84 W. This route takes you through Connecticut, New York, Pennsylvania, and Maryland and covers a distance of approximately 460 miles. With good traffic, you should be able to cover this distance in about 7 hours.

If you’re looking for a scenic route with some historical sites along the way, consider taking the slower but more interesting route via I-95 S. This route takes you through Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland and covers a distance of approximately 540 miles. The drive takes about 9 hours with light traffic, but expect to add 2-3 hours to that if you hit heavy traffic along the way.

Traffic Patterns

The best time to drive from Boston to Arlington is during off-peak hours. Try to avoid driving during rush hour in Boston, which typically runs from 7-10 am and 4-7 pm on weekdays. Driving during these times can add an extra hour or two to your travel time. Similarly, try to avoid DC’s notorious rush hour which typically runs from 6:30-9:30 am and 4-7 pm on weekdays.

Peak and Low Traffic Times

In general, the best time to drive from Boston to Arlington is on a weekend or during the middle of the week when there is less traffic. If you’re traveling during a holiday period, make sure to check traffic projections for popular routes beforehand, and plan accordingly.

At peak traffic times, you should expect the journey to take up to 10 hours or more, depending on the route you take. However, outside of peak traffic, you can make the trip in just over 7 hours or less, depending on your route.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, driving from Boston to Arlington can take anywhere from 7 to 12 hours depending on the route and traffic you encounter. We recommend avoiding peak traffic times in both cities and opting for the faster route if you’re in a hurry or the scenic route if you’d like to enjoy some historical sites and attractions along the way. So grab your snacks, make a playlist, and hit the road, the adventure awaits you!