A Road Trip to the Pacific Northwest: How Long Does It Take to Drive from Albuquerque to Seattle?

If you're planning a road trip from Albuquerque, New Mexico, to Seattle, Washington, there's a lot to consider. What's the distance you'll be driving, and how long will it take? Are there different routes you can take, and do they all take the same amount of time?

Well, let's dive in and find out!

Fastest and Slowest Routes

There are a few different ways you can get from Albuquerque to Seattle, but the fastest route takes you up I-25 to Denver, CO, then west on I-80/I-84 through Salt Lake City, UT, and Boise, ID, before reaching Seattle.

According to Google Maps, this route covers approximately 1,275 miles and takes about 19 hours of driving time (without stopping). Of course, traffic patterns and weather conditions can impact the drive time, so it's important to plan accordingly.

If you're looking to take a more scenic route, you could head northwest on I-25 to Santa Fe, NM, then take US-84 through Colorado's San Juan Mountains and across Utah's Monument Valley before crossing into Idaho and heading to Seattle. This route covers approximately 1,850 miles and takes about 29 hours of driving time (again, without stops).

Driving Time Based on Traffic Patterns

Of course, these drive times assume you're driving without stops, and that traffic is flowing smoothly. However, peak traffic times in major cities (like Denver, Salt Lake City, and Seattle) can add quite a few hours to your overall drive time.

For example, if you were driving the fast route at peak traffic times (say, leaving Albuquerque at 8am), it could take up to 24 hours (or more) to reach Seattle. But if you were able to leave in the middle of the night (say, at 2am), you could make the trip in about 18 hours.

Similarly, the scenic route could take even longer if you hit a lot of traffic in smaller towns along the way. In general, it's a good idea to plan a bit of extra time for stops, sightseeing, and unexpected delays.

Conclusion

In the end, the drive from Albuquerque to Seattle is certainly doable, but it will take some time and planning. The fastest route is certainly the most efficient, but the scenic route offers some truly spectacular views. And of course, traffic patterns can impact your drive time, so try to plan around peak hours if possible.

However you choose to get there, buckle up and enjoy the ride!