Road Trip from Bella Vista, Arkansas to Houston, Texas: How Long Will It Take?
A drive from Bella Vista, Arkansas to Houston, Texas - the largest city in the Lone Star State - can be a fun and adventurous experience. However, before you hit the road, you should plan your route so that you know how long it will take you to reach your destination. In this article, we will explore the fastest and slowest routes, the distance of those routes, and the time it takes based on traffic patterns.
The Fastest and Slowest Routes
There are a number of routes you can take to reach Houston from Bella Vista. The fastest route is I-49 S and I-30 E, which will take you approximately 6 hours and 5 minutes to cover the 376-mile distance. The majority of the route is via the interstate highway, so you shouldn't encounter any back roads or winding mountain terrain along the way.
On the other hand, the slowest route is via US-412 W and US-69 S, which will take you approximately 10 hours and 15 minutes to traverse the 662-mile distance. This route involves more rural roads, small towns, and significant slowing around larger cities. With a longer distance and many slow-moving stretches, this route requires a relaxed and patient driver.
Driving Time Based on Traffic Patterns
When determining the total driving time in either of the above routes, traffic patterns have a significant role. During rush hour or heavy traffic times, the driving time can be significantly longer.
For example, the peak traffic time from Bella Vista to Houston is between 7:00 am to 9:00 am and 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm on weekdays. In peak periods, expect a significant increase in driving time. Traveling on the fastest route with heavy traffic can double the driving time of 6 hours.
Conversely, driving during off-peak periods (overnight or weekends) can reduce drive times by up to an hour.
Which Route Should You Take?
If you are looking to get to Houston as quickly as possible, then the fastest route, via I-49 S and I-30 E, is your best bet. If you have plenty of time for a relaxed drive and want to explore the rural landscapes, great small towns, or just stretch your road trip further, then US-412 W and US-69 S is the best choice.
Always remember to take traffic into account. Heed the advice of locals and listen to traffic reports along the route. With a little patience and some snacks and good tunes, you will arrive at your destination, however, long it takes.