Drive From Cambridge to Harwich: How Long Does it Take?

Are you planning a road trip from Cambridge to Harwich? Are you wondering how long it will take to get there? The journey is a popular one taken by UK residents, tourists, and businesspeople alike. In this post, we'll explore the fastest and slowest driving routes between the two destinations, and how long it takes to drive at different times of the day.

Fastest Route: A120

The fastest driving route from Cambridge to Harwich is via the A120. This route is a distance of approximately 45 miles and takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes to drive, barring traffic. Using this route, you’ll drive through the countryside, towns, and villages, enjoying the scenic views of Essex.

Slowest Route: A1303

If you're looking for a more scenic route, you can take the A1303 from Cambridge, which goes through some picturesque villages before connecting to the A14 and the A12, which takes you to Harwich. However, bear in mind that the distance of this route is around 55 miles and it takes around 1 hour and 48 minutes to drive. If you're not in a rush, this route is worth considering.

Traffic Patterns

When planning your journey, consider traffic patterns at different times of the day. Rush hour traffic can add significant time to your journey, so it's often best to avoid driving during peak hours. In general, peak hours for morning traffic are from 7:30 am to 9:30 am, and for afternoon traffic are from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm. Weekend traffic tends to be lighter.

Peak Traffic Times

If you're driving during peak traffic times, expect a longer travel time. For instance, the fastest route via A120 can take up to 1 hour and 45 minutes to reach Harwich from Cambridge. The slower route via A1303 can take up to 2 hours and 20 minutes to get you to Harwich.

Low Traffic Times

If you want to avoid rush hour traffic, then driving outside of peak hours can significantly reduce the travel time. Outside of peak hours, the travel time between Cambridge and Harwich is usually around 1 hour and 20 minutes via the fastest route and approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes via the slower route.

Final Thoughts

Now that you have an idea of the fastest and slowest routes, and the different journey times based on traffic patterns, you're ready to plan your trip. Keep in mind that the travel times mentioned in this post are estimates, and traffic can be unpredictable. Ensure that your vehicle is well-maintained, and you have everything you need before setting off. Enjoy your journey!