Road Trip Alert: Time It Takes To Drive From Boise, Idaho to Merced, California

Are you planning a road trip from Boise, Idaho to Merced, California? The journey can be an exciting and adventurous experience, but make sure you have enough time to do it right. Driving distance, route options, and traffic patterns can all affect the amount of time it will take you to complete the 750-mile journey.

So, how long does it actually take to drive from Boise, Idaho to Merced, California? In this blog post, we will look at different routes and calculate the approximate driving times, including peak traffic times and low traffic times.

Fastest Route

The fastest route from Boise to Merced is via I-84W and I-5S, which covers a distance of 692 miles. It takes approximately 10 hours to complete the journey by car, assuming you maintain a consistent speed and take minimal breaks.

Of course, this estimate does not include traffic congestion, which can impact your travel time significantly. For example, if you're driving during peak traffic hours, expect to spend an additional 1-2 hours on the road. On the other hand, if you're traveling when there are few cars on the road, you might shave off an hour of travel time.

Scenic Route

If you're interested in enjoying beautiful scenery and making occasional stops, you could take a longer but more scenic route. Travel via US-20W, US-26W, and US-395S, which covers around 930 miles. This route takes approximately 16 hours to complete, assuming you use it only for driving.

While it's longer, this scenic route allows you to explore the breathtaking beauty of the Pacific Northwest, including Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve, Sawtooth National Forest, and Yosemite National Park. It's also an excellent option if you're planing a trip with family.

Slowest Route

Finally, the slowest route is via I-80W and CA-99S, which covers 790 miles. This route takes approximately 12-13 hours to complete, depending on traffic patterns.

An important note – this route goes through Sacramento, which can be a bottleneck point during peak traffic periods. It's best to avoid this route during rush hours to prevent traffic from lengthening your travel time.

Conclusion

There you have it – a breakdown of the estimated driving time to make the 750-mile voyage from Boise, Idaho to Merced, California. Remember to account for any detours, time for rest breaks, and enjoy the journey.

Ultimately, the route you choose will depend on your priorities and travel preferences. If you want to save time, take the fastest route via I-5S. But if you're interested in exploring the Pacific Northwest and taking your time, opt for the scenic route.

With all these options in mind, it's time to set the GPS, buckle up, and start your road trip!