Road Trip! How Long Will It Take to Drive from Bristol, PA to Worcester, MA?
Are you planning a road trip from Bristol, Pennsylvania to Worcester, Massachusetts? Whether you’re visiting friends or family, or just taking a trip to explore, it’s important to plan ahead for the journey. One of the most important factors to consider is how long it will take to drive from Bristol to Worcester. In this post, we’ll explore the fastest and slowest routes, the distance of each route, and the driving time at peak and low traffic times.
Route Options for Driving from Bristol, PA to Worcester, MA
There are two main routes that drivers can take from Bristol, Pennsylvania to Worcester, Massachusetts: the I-84 route and the I-95 route.
I-84 Route
The I-84 route is the faster of the two options, spanning a distance of approximately 161 miles. This route starts by following the Pennsylvania Turnpike, then transitioning to the I-84 in New York. From there, it travels through Connecticut before reaching Massachusetts.
I-95 Route
The I-95 route takes a longer path, spanning approximately 214 miles. It starts by following the New Jersey Turnpike, then transitioning to the I-95 in Connecticut. From there, it continues north through Rhode Island before reaching Massachusetts.
Driving Times for the I-84 and I-95 Routes
The driving times for both routes will vary depending on traffic and other factors. Based on our research, we’ve found that the fastest possible times and the average times for both routes are as follows:
| Route | Distance | Fastest Possible Time | Average Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| I-84 | 161 miles | 2 hours 30 minutes | 3 hours 30 minutes |
| I-95 | 214 miles | 3 hours 30 minutes | 4 hours 30 minutes |
It’s important to keep in mind that these times are based on ideal driving conditions. Traffic, construction, and other factors can cause delays that extend the driving time.
Planning Your Drive
To minimize the impact of traffic on your journey, consider timing your drive to avoid peak rush hour traffic. Rush hour times are generally between 7am-9am and 4pm-6pm on weekdays.
If you’re driving the I-84 route, consider leaving Bristol, PA around 10am to avoid the morning rush hour. If you’re taking the I-95 route, leaving around 9am should help you avoid peak traffic times in the New York City and Providence, RI areas.
For the return trip, consider leaving Worcester before 3pm to avoid the evening rush hour. If you’re taking the I-84 route, plan on leaving Worcester before 2pm to avoid the rush hour traffic around Hartford, CT.
Conclusion
The amount of time it takes to drive from Bristol, PA to Worcester, MA will depend on a variety of factors. By choosing the right route and timing your drive to avoid peak traffic, you can minimize the impact of traffic on your journey. Safe travels!