Driving from Burlington, Vermont to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: How Long Does It Really Take?

Are you planning a road trip from Burlington, Vermont to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and wondering how long it will take? Well, it depends on several factors such as the route, the traffic, and the time of day. In this post, we'll give you an overview of the different routes and how long it takes to drive from Vermont to Pennsylvania.

The Fastest and Slowest Routes

If you want to get to Pittsburgh as quickly as possible, taking I-87 S and I-476 S is your best bet. The distance for this route is approximately 520 miles, and it takes around 8 hours to drive, assuming you hit no traffic. However, if you want to enjoy a more scenic drive, you can take a slightly longer route that goes through the Adirondack Mountains. This route includes I-89 S and I-81 S, and it covers around 550 miles. The drive along this route takes about 9 hours, but the views are breathtaking, and you'll get to see some beautiful parts of New England.

On the other hand, if you're not in a rush and want to take a more leisurely drive, you can take US-4 W and US-6 W. This route covers around 700 miles and takes about 12 hours to drive. However, keep in mind that you'll be on mostly two-lane roads, which can be slower and more scenic.

Traffic Patterns

The time it takes to drive from Burlington, Vermont to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, can vary significantly depending on the time of day and the day of the week you're traveling. Before you set out, it's a good idea to check the traffic patterns and plan accordingly.

For example, if you're driving during rush hour, it will take longer to drive through towns and cities along the way, which can significantly increase your drive time. On the other hand, if you're driving at night, you'll encounter less traffic and could shave some time off your trip.

Peak Traffic Time vs. Low Traffic Time

Assuming no traffic, the fastest route from Burlington, Vermont to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, should take approximately 8 hours and 1 minute, while the scenic route along the Adirondack Mountains takes about 9 hours and 22 minutes. However, if you hit traffic, this can easily add an extra hour or more to your drive.

During peak traffic hours, which are typically from 7 AM to 9 AM and 4 PM to 6 PM on weekdays, expect the drive to take longer, with an additional 30 minutes to an hour added to your trip time. On weekends and during non-peak hours, such as during the middle of the day or late at night, you may be able to shave off some time from the drive.

Conclusion

Driving from Burlington, Vermont to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, can take as little as 8 hours or as much as 12 hours or more, depending on the route and traffic conditions. It's essential to consider the time of day and day of the week you'll be driving, as this can significantly impact your trip time. By taking the fastest route or the most scenic route and avoiding peak traffic hours, you'll be able to enjoy a smooth and enjoyable drive from Vermont to Pennsylvania.