Road Trip from Ann Arbor, MI to Seattle, WA: Plan for Success!
Are you planning a road trip from Ann Arbor, Michigan to Seattle, Washington? It's going to be one heck of a drive: 2,400 miles, to be exact! But don't worry, because we're here to help you plan your trip and make your journey a success. Here's what you need to know about the different routes, distance, and time it takes to drive from Ann Arbor to Seattle.
The Fastest Route: I-80 West
The fastest route from Ann Arbor to Seattle is to take I-80 West. This route will take you through Chicago, Des Moines, and Denver before taking I-84 West through Boise and onto Seattle. It's a long drive, but the most direct route: You'll travel 2,385 miles and it should take you around 37 hours and 20 minutes. This is based on traveling with normal traffic, so your time may vary if you hit rush hour or encounter roadwork.
The Scenic Route: US-2 West
If you're not in a rush and want to take a more scenic route, US-2 West is your best bet. This route will take you through Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota, Montana, Idaho, and then into Seattle. It's a bit longer at 2,803 miles, but the views are worth it. You'll see countless small towns, rolling hills, and stunning mountainscapes. Be warned that this route can be slow going at times, and you'll need to watch for changing weather conditions. This route should take around 45 hours and 20 minutes.
The Slowest Route: US-12 West
The slowest route to Seattle is US-12 West. This route takes you through southern Michigan, northern Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, South Dakota, Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, and finally onto Seattle. While this route is slightly shorter at 2,374 miles, it's also the slowest. This is because you'll spend a lot of time driving through small towns and two-lane roads. However, if you're in no rush and want to see a lot of the heartland, this could be the right route for you. Expect a drive time of around 45 hours and 30 minutes.
Time of Day Matters
In general, you will save time by driving during off-peak hours. Traffic can back up on any of the above routes, but the slower routes will likely be more affected by congestion. If you drive during peak traffic hours in big cities like Chicago or Seattle, you could easily add several hours to your driving time. Rush hours are typically in the mornings from 7 am to 9 am, and in the evenings from 4 pm to 7 pm. Aim to avoid driving through major cities during these times, if at all possible.
Wrap Up
So, what's the best route for you? That depends on whether you want to get there quickly, enjoy the sights, or take it nice and slow. The fastest route is I-80 West, the scenic route is US-2 West, and the slowest route is US-12 West. Keep in mind that traffic and weather conditions can affect your travel time, so be prepared for longer drives if you hit any snags. Just remember to take your time, enjoy the journey, and stay safe on the road. Bon voyage!