The Road Trip from Atlanta to Baltimore: Is It Worth It?
Are you planning a road trip from Atlanta to Baltimore? The cities are about 600 miles apart, and depending on the route and traffic patterns, driving times vary. Don't worry, we've got you covered with all the information you need to plan this exciting trip. Below, we go over each route's fastest and slowest options, travel distance, and drive times, and calculate travel time for peak and low-traffic conditions. So buckle up and get ready to hit the road!
The Fastest and Slowest Routes
The fastest route to Baltimore from Atlanta is via I-85 N and I-95 N, covering a distance of 647 miles. You'll be on the road for about 10 hours and 30 minutes, assuming moderate traffic conditions. This route goes through Charlotte and Raleigh, NC, and Richmond, VA, before reaching Baltimore.
However, the fastest route may not be the most efficient, especially if traffic is heavy or congested. In that case, the slowest route might be worth considering. This option takes you through the Appalachian Mountains and Shenandoah National Park, making for some gorgeous scenery and adventure. This route consists of taking I-20 W, US-29 N, US-250 E, US-340 N, and I-70 E and covers a distance of 737 miles, taking you on a beautiful tour of Virginia. However, it takes around 12 hours to reach Baltimore, so factor that into your travel plans.
Traffic Conditions
Traffic can greatly affect driving times, and as much as you might want to avoid it, it's tough to predict. A good thing to do is to avoid peak travel times or holidays, though adhering to this is not always a guarantee for optimal travel conditions. Suppose you want to plan for a time with lighter traffic. In that case, your best bet is to leave early in the morning or late at night. From experience, traffic is less congested outside of the rush hours as fewer people need to be on the roads.
On the contrary, peak traffic patterns are gnarly, and we mean it when we say that sitting in such conditions for hours could be a real setback. Typically, peak traffic hours in Atlanta are from 6:30 AM to 9:00 AM, while in Baltimore, peak traffic occurs from 7:00 AM to 9:30 AM and 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. The most unfortunate part is that hitting both cities' peak hours is rather inevitable, so brace yourself and factor it into your travel plans' equation.
Drive Time for Peak and Low-Traffic Conditions
The driving time for this route can be broken down into two time periods: peak traffic and low-traffic times. At peak traffic times, driving time can up to an additional two hours. So, let's break down the estimated drive times for this route:
Fastest route:
- Driving distance: 647 miles
- Driving time (Moderate traffic): 10 hours, 30 minutes
- Driving time (Heavy traffic): 12 hours, 30 minutes
Slowest route:
- Driving distance: 737 miles
- Driving time (Moderate traffic): 12 hours
- Driving time (Heavy traffic): 14 hours
Conclusion
The drive from Atlanta to Baltimore is an amazing road trip experience that we encourage you to consider taking. The fastest route via I-85 N and I-95 N may be the most popular, but it can become hectic with heavy traffic during peak hours. The scenic route through the Shenandoah National Park might take longer, but it is also a lovely way to see Virginia and its landscapes.
As you plan this trip, be sure to factor in both peak and low-traffic travel times, and prepare for the journey by taking breaks, packing enough snacks and water, and being mindful behind the wheel. We hope you've found this blog post useful, and we wish you a safe and exciting trip!