The Route to Take: Driving from Bristol to Potomac

Are you planning a road trip from Bristol, Rhode Island to Potomac, Maryland? Knowing the different routes and how long it takes to reach your destination can help you prepare for the drive ahead. In this post, we'll highlight the fastest and slowest routes, the distance of each route, and the time it takes based on traffic patterns.

Route Options

There are a few different routes you can take when driving from Bristol to Potomac. The first route is to take the I-95 South and then the I-495 West. The second route is to take the I-84 West and then the I-684 South to the I-287 West, and finally the I-270 South.

Fastest Route vs Slowest Route

The first route, taking the I-95 South and I-495 West, is the fastest route. The distance between Bristol and Potomac using this route is approximately 419 miles. It takes approximately 7 hours and 15 minutes to reach Potomac driving at an average speed of 58 mph. This time varies based on traffic patterns.

On the other hand, the second route, taking the I-84 West and I-684 South, is the longest and slowest route. The distance between Bristol and Potomac using this route is approximately 541 miles. It takes approximately 9 hours and 20 minutes to reach Potomac driving at an average speed of 58 mph.

Traffic Patterns

The driving time for both routes varies based on traffic. During peak traffic times, which are typically from 7-10 am and 4-7 pm, the driving time for the fastest route can add an additional 30-60 minutes to your travel time. On the other hand, peak traffic times can add an additional 1-2 hours to your travel time for the second route.

Therefore, if avoiding traffic is your priority, it's best to plan your travel time during off-peak hours. The driving time for the fastest route during off-peak hours can take approximately 6 hours and 15 minutes. For the second route, the driving time can take approximately 8 hours and 20 minutes.

Conclusion

Knowing these different routes and how long it takes to reach your destination can help you prepare for your travel time and avoid surprises. The fastest route is the I-95 South and I-495 West route, which takes approximately 7 hours and 15 minutes. The longest and slowest route is the I-84 West and I-684 South route, which takes approximately 9 hours and 20 minutes. However, travel time for both routes varies based on traffic patterns, making off-peak hours your best option. Safe travels!