A Quick Guide on the Time It Takes To Drive from Bend, Oregon to Portland, Oregon

If you're planning to take a road trip from Bend, Oregon to Portland, Oregon, you're probably wondering how long it will take. The distance between these two cities is approximately 170 miles, and the driving time can vary significantly based on the route you take and the traffic patterns. In this post, we'll give you an overview of the fastest and slowest routes, the distance of that route, and the time it takes based on traffic patterns.

The Fastest Route: Highway 26

Highway 26 is the fastest route from Bend to Portland, covering a distance of approximately 157 miles. It's a scenic drive through the Mt. Hood National Forest and offers beautiful views of the landscape. If you're planning to drive from Bend to Portland during low traffic times, it can take as little as 2 hours and 30 minutes. However, during peak traffic times, it can take up to 3 and a half hours to reach Portland.

The Slowest Route: Highway 97 and Highway 197

If you're not in a hurry and want to explore the countryside, consider taking the slowest route from Bend to Portland. This route goes through Highway 97 and Highway 197 and covers a distance of approximately 199 miles. While this route is longer, it offers some gorgeous views of the Cascade Mountains, Deschutes River, and other interesting landmarks. During low traffic times, it can take around 4 hours to reach Portland. However, during peak traffic times, you might have to spend up to 5 hours on the road.

Alternate Route: Highway 97 and Highway 26

Another route that you can take is the Highway 97 and Highway 26. This route covers a distance of approximately 187 miles. It's longer than the fastest route, but it offers some exciting attractions along the way, such as the Painted Hills and the John Day Fossil Beds. During low traffic times, this route can take around 3 hours and 45 minutes, while during peak traffic times, it can take up to 5 hours.

Conclusion

In summary, the driving time from Bend, Oregon, to Portland, Oregon, can vary based on the route you take and the traffic patterns. If you're in a hurry and want to reach Portland as quickly as possible, take the Highway 26. However, if you want to enjoy the scenic drive and explore the countryside, consider taking Highway 97 and Highway 197. Ultimately, the choice of route depends on your preferences and time constraints. We hope this quick guide helps you plan your drive from Bend to Portland.