Time It Takes To Drive From Baltimore to El Paso: Plan Accordingly

Are you planning a road trip from Baltimore, Maryland, to El Paso, Texas? You may be wondering how long it will take you to get there. The answer is that it depends on the route you take and the traffic patterns at the time of your trip. Don't worry, though! We have put together a guide to help you plan accordingly and make the most of your trip.

Fastest and Slowest Routes

The fastest route from Baltimore to El Paso is via I-70 west and I-44 west. This route covers a total distance of approximately 1,800 miles and takes about 27 hours to complete without any stops. However, keep in mind that this is the most direct route, and there are faster and safer alternatives if you're not in a rush.

The slowest route, on the other hand, is via I-95 south, I-10 west, and US-54 west. This route covers a total distance of approximately 2,300 miles and takes about 36 hours to complete without any stops. This route can be the most tedious since you will cross four states and may encounter heavy traffic.

The Distance and Time Based on Traffic Patterns

If you opt for the fastest route, you can expect to cover around 200 miles per hour at minimum while traveling through highways. However, you may want to avoid traveling during rush hour or peak periods to avoid traffic delays, which will add time to your trip. Alternatively, you can plan your trip for a non-peak time, and you might be surprised at how much time you could save.

If you decide to use the slower route, your travel distance may not seem significantly greater, but the route crosses multiple states with stops and various speed limits. You may also face congested traffic areas, which can increase the driving time substantially. Since the I-10 west experiences heavy traffic, you may want to plan your trip for some non-peak travel times to cut down on your drive time.

Driving Time for Peak Traffic Times and Low Traffic Times

The predicted driving time for the fastest route is 27 hours without factoring in stops using Google Maps as a baseline. However, if you plan for non-peak traffic periods, you could manage to cut down up to an hour of your driving time, making your travel time closer to 26 hours.

In contrast, the predicted driving time for the slower route according to Google Maps is 36 hours, but traffic and stops will add to the time it takes to travel the full distance. Some stops are due to necessary rest time, but you may be able to save up to two hours (or more) by avoiding peak travel times.

Conclusion

As you can see, the time it takes to drive from Baltimore, Maryland, to El Paso, Texas, depends on various factors and routes you may choose to take. While I-70 west and I-44 west could be the fastest route, going via I-95 south, I-10 west, and US-54 west offers possible enticing stops and scenic places to visit, but are much longer to travel. You can save up to a few hours by traveling during non-peak traffic times, so make sure to plan your trip accordingly. Whatever route you choose, get plenty of rest and enjoy the journey!