Road Trip Bliss: The Drive from Boise to Bellingham

Take a deep breath, pack your bags, and fasten your seatbelt; if you’re looking for an unforgettable road trip, it’s time to hit the highway between Boise, Idaho and Bellingham, Washington. Whether you're planning a solo journey or embarking on one with friends or family, the drive is worth it. Here, we will highlight the different routes, distance, and the estimated driving time for both peak traffic and low traffic times.

The Fastest Route

For those looking for the quickest journey to Bellingham, we recommend taking Interstate-84 West for 458 miles until you reach US-97 North. This route should take you through beautiful Canyon County until you cross the Columbia River and continue through Yakima, and eventually to I-5 until you reach Bellingham. At its quickest, this route should take you around 7 hours, but it may vary based on traffic.

The Scenic Route

For travelers who prefer the scenic route, we recommend taking I-84 West for 225 miles, then taking WA-821 North for around 20 miles. This road leads to a stretch of spectacular tree-lined roads, long winding rivers, and impressive mountain views. Continue this route until you reach Interstate-90 West, take it for 76 miles, and you’ll eventually end up on I-5 North. From there, take the Chuckanut Drive exit and enjoy the stunning coastal views to Bellingham. You can expect to drive about 8 to 9 hours depending on traffic.

The Slowest Route

We understand that some travelers may prefer a more leisurely journey to their destination. For those looking to take their time and make the most of the road trip, we recommend taking Highway-55 North to McCall, ID. From there, take ID-95 North and WA-20 West to reach Interstate-5 North. This drive will take you around 13 to 14 hours, but if you’re looking to enjoy the scenery and make a pit stop or two, this is the perfect route to take.

Travel Time based on Traffic

Traffic can be a challenge when it comes to road trips, so it's essential to know the time it would take based on traffic levels. Peak traffic time is typically between 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. On a good day, the fastest route will take around 7 to 8 hours. But during peak traffic, the travel time can increase to 9 hours. The scenic route will typically take longer, and during peak traffic, you can expect to spend around 10 to 11 hours on the road. However, taking the slowest route can take you up to 15 hours during traffic, but if you decide to take this path, make sure to stop for food and stretch your legs.

Final Thoughts

The drive from Boise, Idaho, to Bellingham, Washington, can undoubtedly be an unforgettable road trip if planned out accordingly. Whether you choose to take the quickest or the slowest route, the scenery is breathtaking, and the memories will last forever. Just make sure you check the weather and road conditions before you embark on your journey. So fill up your gas tank, prepare your playlist, and discover your road trip bliss.