How long does it take to drive from Arlington, Texas to Seattle, Washington?

Are you planning a road trip from Arlington, Texas to Seattle, Washington? It’s a long journey and no doubt you’re wondering how long it will take. Well, the answer depends on which route you take and how much traffic you encounter. Let’s look at some of the options.

Fastest vs. Slowest Routes

The fastest route from Arlington to Seattle is to head north on I-35E, then take I-40 west towards Albuquerque, New Mexico. From there, take I-15 north through Utah, then I-84 west through Idaho and Oregon, and finally I-5 north into Seattle, Washington. This route is 2,326 miles long and will take you approximately 34 hours to complete (depending on traffic).

The slowest route is to take US-287 west through Texas, then US-87 north into New Mexico. From there, take US-64 west into Arizona and US-89 north through Utah. You will then continue into Idaho on US-26 and eventually onto I-90 into Seattle, Washington. This route is 2,963 miles long and will take you approximately 45 hours to complete.

Traffic Patterns

With every long-distance road trip, it’s important to take traffic patterns into consideration. Rush hour traffic in big cities can greatly impact your travel time. For example, if you take the fastest route through I-5 and hit traffic in Seattle during peak hours, it may add an additional hour or more to your travel time. On the other hand, if you take the slowest route and avoid urban areas during rush hour, it may actually take less time overall.

Travel Time

So, how long will it take to complete this trip? Well, it depends on how many rest stops you take and how long you stay in each city along the way. Assuming you’re not stopping for long periods of time, and you avoid significant traffic delays, let’s look at estimated travel times.

For the fastest route, assuming no traffic jams, you can complete the trip in approximately 30–36 hours depending on how often you stop along the way. On the slowest route, travel times range from 40–46 hours depending on your stops. Keep in mind, these estimates don’t include bad weather or major accidents that can add significant time to your trip.

In conclusion, there are many factors that impact how long it takes to drive from Arlington, Texas to Seattle, Washington. It’s important to research the different routes, traffic patterns, and potential delays to help you plan the most efficient trip. Safe travels!