Beckley to Columbus: How Long Will It Take You To Get There?

Are you planning a road trip from Beckley, West Virginia to Columbus, Ohio? Driving trips can be fun, but the question on everyone's mind is how long will it take to get there? The truth is, there are several routes to take, and driving times can vary depending on traffic conditions. Read on to see your options and get a sense of how long it would take to travel each route.

Route 1: I-77 N and I-70 W

This is the most direct route and takes you through Charleston, WV, and then Columbus. The distance from Beckley to Columbus is approximately 181 miles, and under normal traffic conditions, it would take you around 3 hours to drive. You'll have to drive through a couple of mountain towns before reaching the interstate, but once on the highway, it should be a smooth ride.

However, keep in mind that traffic can significantly impact your drive time. During peak hours, it can take an additional 30-45 minutes to arrive at your destination. If you adjust your driving time around non-peak hours, such as driving very early in the morning or late at night, you'll be able to bypass the traffic and arrive in Columbus much quicker.

Route 2: US-35 W and I-71 N

Another option is to travel on US-35 West, then connect to I-71 North, which will take you directly to Columbus. This route may be longer, but it offers some scenic views and a bit of a break from the interstate highways. The distance from Beckley to Columbus via this route is just under 200 miles, with a travel time of about 3 hours and 15 minutes under normal traffic conditions.

The impact of traffic for this route is slightly less, adding approximately 15-30 minutes to the travel time depending on whether it's a peak hour or not. If you're not in a great hurry to arrive, this can be a visually stunning route to take.

Route 3: I-64 W and I-71 N

Lastly, you could opt to travel on I-64 W to connect to I-71 N, which again will take you to Columbus. This route will take you through Lexington, Kentucky and travel over some rolling hills and through horse country. The distance from Beckley to Columbus is around 230 miles, and it takes about 4 hours to drive in normal traffic conditions.

This route is slower than the other routes and could add up to an hour of driving time. But, again, if you're not in any rush, driving through Kentucky's beautiful Bluegrass landscape can be a relaxing diversion.

Conclusion

So, there you have it, three different route options to take you from Beckley to Columbus, with varying drive times ranging from 3 to 4 hours depending on the route. Overall, the amount of traffic you face will have a significant impact on the driving time. Plan your journey wisely, and make sure to schedule enough time for breaks and fueling stops.

If you're in any doubt about which route to take, we suggest the main interstate route of I-77 N and I-70 W as it's the most direct and offers the quickest travel time. But as always, keep your eyes on the signs and enjoy the drive!