The Great Drive from Auburn, Alabama to Slidell, Louisiana: Fastest and Slowest Routes

Driving from Auburn, Alabama to Slidell, Louisiana is a road trip that could take you through a variety of routes, depending on your preferred journey path. With a variety of highways and roads, choosing the right one could be the difference between a beautiful and slow drive or a quick and straightforward one. Here is a breakdown of the fastest and slowest routes to take to Slidell, Louisiana from Auburn, Alabama.

The Fastest Route - I-65 and I-10

If you're in a rush and have a tight schedule, the quickest route to take from Auburn, Alabama to Slidell, Louisiana, is via I-65 S to I-10 W. This route covers a distance of approximately 400 miles, and according to Google Maps, it should take you about 6 hours without traffic. It's the quickest system to cut across major cities like Mobile and Pensacola, or other smaller ones like Biloxi and Gulfport, offering you a beautiful scenic view of the Gulf Coast. When driving through this route, you should expect tolls, so be sure to bring enough cash or a toll pass if you have one.

The Scenic Route - Via US-98 and I-10

For those driving without a specific time schedule, taking the scenic route via US-98 and I-10 could be where the fun truly lies. This route covers a distance of approximately 450 miles, and according to Google maps, it should take you roughly 8 hours. This route will get you through beautiful regions like the beaches of the Florida Panhandle and the various historical landmarks in Mississippi. However, expect to encounter slower traffic due to the high number of tourists in the area and longer routes.

Peak Traffic Time vs. Low Traffic Time?

During peak travel periods, such as holiday periods and weekends, traffic generally moves slower, and routes tend to get congested due to the high traffic volume. If you intend to take the first route during peak traffic times, it might take you about 7 hours, which is an increase in travel time by an hour due to traffic.

Conversely, during low traffic times like weekdays, traffic is often lighter. You can comfortably take the first route without having to deal with severe traffic congestion. Travel time could reduce by up to an hour, making the journey last about 6 hours.

In conclusion, it's essential to always take into account the time of your trip and the route's driving conditions before hitting the road. While the fastest route might have tolls, it is quicker and more direct. Additionally, taking the scenic route might take longer, but the sight-seeing opportunities along the way are worth it. Safe travels!