The Great Drive: Bothell to Salt Lake City

Are you planning a road trip from Bothell, Washington to Salt Lake City, Utah? As satisfying as the idea of hitting the road for a long haul sounds, the one stressful decision is picking the fastest route. What route should you take? How long will the drive take? Don't worry, in this guide, we have calculated the driving times for the highways with a few tips and tricks to consider along the way.

Fastest Route

As a rule of thumb, the quickest route to Salt Lake City from Bothell is via I-84 E, which is approximately 838 miles. You can expect to drive for 12 hours and 45 minutes to reach your destination if you follow this route. It’s essential to note that this route is usually preferred for those who aren’t too bothered about the scenery and would instead arrive at their destination quickly.

Scenic Route

If you prefer scenery over time efficiency, then I-15 S is the route for you. This route will add a few extra miles, but the opportunity to see incredible landscapes makes up for it. The total distance from Bothell to Salt Lake City is approximately 970 miles, and it will take you roughly 16 hours and 10 minutes to get to your destination. The best part about this highway is that it passes through some of the most scenic routes in the western United States, including Idaho Falls and Grand Teton National Park.

Traffic Patterns

If you plan your trip right, you can save a lot of time stuck in traffic. Traffic patterns vary depending on where you are on the highway, so keep that in mind when planning your drive. The best time to drive from Bothell to Salt Lake City is typically early in the morning or later in the evening, where you can expect less traffic. If you can, try to schedule your trip outside of the rush hour, and you will indeed avoid congestion delays.

Peak Traffic Times

If you have absolutely no choice but to drive during peak hours, be prepared for delays. The peak hours on the highways are typically between 8-10 am and 4-6 pm. Rush hours can add up to two extra hours to your journey time. It is wise to avoid this time if you can, as it can be pretty frustrating sitting in traffic for extended hours.

Conclusion

The drive from Bothell to Salt Lake City is an excellent opportunity to take in the natural beauty of the western United States. Ultimately, the choice of what route to take will depend on your priorities. Do you want to arrive quickly and avoid traffic, or do you prefer to see beautiful landscapes? Take some time to plan your trip and once you’ve made a decision consider what time of day to travel. Safe travels!