The Drive from Burlington to Charlotte: A Guide to the Fastest and Slowest Routes

Are you planning a road trip from Burlington, North Carolina to Charlotte, North Carolina? Whether you're going for business or pleasure, it's important to know the best route to take to save yourself time and stress. Here's a guide to the fastest and slowest routes, the distance of each route, and the time it takes based on traffic patterns.

Fastest Route: I-85

The fastest route from Burlington to Charlotte is via I-85, which is a straight shot south. The distance between the two cities is approximately 88 miles, and in optimal traffic conditions, the drive should take around 1 hour and 20 minutes. However, during peak rush hour traffic times, the drive can take up to 2 hours.

Scenic Route: US-29 and NC-49

If you have some extra time on your hands and want to enjoy a scenic drive, consider taking US-29 and NC-49. This route will take you through small towns and rolling hills. The distance between Burlington and Charlotte via this route is approximately 101 miles, and in normal traffic conditions, the drive should take around 2 hours. However, during peak rush hour traffic times, the drive can take up to 3 hours.

Slowest Route: NC-49 and I-485

If you want to avoid highways and enjoy a leisurely drive, take NC-49 and connect to I-485. This route will take you through quaint towns and farmland. The distance between Burlington and Charlotte via this route is approximately 100 miles and, due to multiple stop lights and school zones, the drive can take up to 3 hours.

Peak Traffic vs Low Traffic

It's important to note that traffic patterns can greatly affect your drive time. Rush hour traffic in the morning and evening can add anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour to your drive time, depending on which route you take. The best way to avoid traffic is to schedule your trip during off-peak hours. If you can, try leaving before 6 am or after 7 pm.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are multiple routes available to get you from Burlington to Charlotte. The fastest route, I-85, will get you there in approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes. The scenic route, US-29 and NC-49, will take approximately 2 hours, while the slowest route, NC-49 and I-485, can take up to 3 hours. Keep in mind that peak traffic times can add significant time to your drive, so plan accordingly. Safe travels!