Road Tripping from Amherst, Massachusetts to Burlington, Vermont: How Long Will It Take You?

Are you planning a road trip from Amherst, Massachusetts to Burlington, Vermont? You might be wondering how long it will take you to reach Vermont's largest city. Fear not, we've got you covered! Depending on the route you take, there are several ways to reach Burlington from Amherst, and each route comes with its own distance and driving time.

The Fastest and Slowest Routes

There are two main routes to get from Amherst to Burlington. The fastest route, which is about 180 miles, is via I-91 N and I-89 N. This route will take you approximately 3 hours with no traffic, making it the quickest option to arrive in the city.

The second option, which is around 172 miles, is via Route 7 N. This route is slower and takes longer but provides scenic views of Vermont's countryside. The journey time is around 4 hours, depending on the traffic. Although it's longer, Route 7 has plenty of interesting and inimitable stores, natural landmarks, and small towns to make stops along the way to Burlington.

Driving Time Based on Traffic Patterns

The time it takes to drive from Amherst to Burlington will also depend on the traffic. The driving time can fluctuate, especially when there are rush hours, weekends, or holidays.

During peak traffic times, it might take around 3.5 hours to reach your destination. You might experience traffic around White River Junction, Lebanon in New Hampshire, and Colchester before reaching Burlington. If you are travelling on weekends or holidays, then consider starting early in the morning or late at night to avoid getting stuck in traffic.

The optimal time to drive from Amherst to Burlington is during low traffic conditions, which usually happen in the early hours of the morning. At that time, there is less traffic on the streets and highways, so the journey would take only 3 hours or less.

Recap

In terms of the fastest route and distance, I-91 N to I-89 N is your best option. This route is great when you want to arrive at your destination in a short amount of time. On the other hand, if you have more time and want to see the beauty of Vermont's countryside, then Route 7 is the way to go.

The driving time to reach Burlington from Amherst is around 3 to 4 hours, depending on the traffic patterns and route that you take. Sometimes traffic is unavoidable, especially during rush hour and holidays, so planning appropriately is important. By leaving during the early morning hours or considering taking the slower scenic route, you will get to enjoy the views, and have a stress-free journey to Burlington.