Road Trip from Ottawa to Branford: Fastest and Slowest Routes

Ready for an exciting road trip from Old Ottawa to Branford, Connecticut? Depending on your route, this journey could take anywhere from 7 to 11 hours of driving time. If you plan on driving through this scenic route, here's what you need to know about the fastest and slowest routes.

Fastest Route

The fastest route from Old Ottawa, Ontario to Branford, Connecticut is to take the ON-417 East highway to the ON-401 East. After 123 km (76 miles), you’ll cross the Ontario-Quebec border and travel on the A-30 East and then Autoroute 20 East towards Montreal. Then, take the Autoroute 10 East to the US-55 South, across the US-91 South, and then merge onto the I-91 South towards New Haven, Connecticut to exit 55 for Branford.

The distance using this route is approximately 900 kilometers (560 miles), and the driving time takes an average of 7 hours and 45 minutes. However, be wary of rush hour traffic and other peak-hour congestion, especially near urban areas like Montreal and Hartford, which can add several hours to the journey time.

Slowest Route

The slowest but the most scenic route from Old Ottawa, Ontario to Connecticut via Branford is to go through the border of New York State. This route goes via scenic 1000 Islands – Thousand Islands International Bridge. The bridge connects Hill Island in Canada to Wellesley Island in the United States. Once you cross the bridge, take US-81 South, then US-20 East and I-90 East through Albany, NY. From there, take the I-91 South until exit 55 for Branford.

The driving distance through this route is approximately 1100 kilometers (680 miles), and the average driving time is about 11 hours. But of course, be prepared to spend more time driving through the dazzling scenery. However, take note that peak traffic congestion on the roads to cross the Canadian-US border might add several hours to the journey time.

Traffic Patterns

Generally, navigating the two routes during off-peak hours, such as the mid-afternoon or early morning on weekdays, would mean less traffic congestion on the highways. However, expect heavy traffic during the holiday seasons, especially at major cities like Montreal, Albany, and Hartford. But with proper planning ahead, you can navigate the route with ease.

In conclusion, the route you choose depends on how much time you have and what you want to see. Choose the fastest route for efficiency, but if you're in the mood for scenic drives and the chance to experience the U.S countryside, the slowest route is your ideal option. Regardless of which route you take, have an exciting and safe journey!