A Cross-State Drive: Canton, Ohio to Concord, North Carolina
Are you planning a road trip to Concord, North Carolina from Canton, Ohio? This cross-state drive can take anywhere from six hours to a full day depending on the route you choose and the traffic you encounter. In this blog post, we'll talk about the different routes you can take and the estimated time it will take you to arrive at your destination.
The Fastest Route
The quickest route to take would be from Ohio to West Virginia. Take I-77 South, and you’ll pass through Parkersburg, West Virginia before reaching Charleston, West Virginia. South of Charleston, you'll enter into Virginia and see a few scenic drives along the way. The route isn't very long, totaling 472 miles. Depending on the traffic conditions, you should be able to arrive in Concord anywhere from 8-10 hours.
The Slowest Route
The longest route - and slowest - route from Ohio to Concord is I-80E/I-77S and passes through Pennsylvania before entering into West Virginia. In West Virginia, you would then connect to I-64 East before entering into Virginia and then finally into North Carolina. This route totals around 770 miles and could take up to 14 hours, depending on traffic.
The Direct Route
If you're more interested in the most straightforward route with minimal traffic, take I-77 South running straight through West Virginia, Virginia, and into North Carolina, before finally arriving in Concord. It’s an excellent option to take if you’re looking to avoid any random detours or scenic routes. The total distance from Canton, Ohio to Concord, North Carolina, using this route is approximately 524 miles. It will take approximately 9-11 hours depending on traffic, road conditions, speed limits, etc.
Traffic Patterns
Traffic patterns can ultimately impact your arrival time during the day. It’s important to account for traffic congestion before setting off on your journey. The heavier the traffic, the longer your journey may take. Rush hour traffic can add significantly more time onto a journey. If you opt for "non-peak" traffic hours, you will arrive much sooner.
Peak Traffic Times
- Monday to Friday from 8:00 am to 10:00 am
- Monday to Friday from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm
- Friday evening, all routes heading south are often busy
- Saturdays and Sundays are generally less busy.
Non-Peak Traffic Times
- Monday to Friday from 10:00 am
- Monday to Thursday after 7:00 pm
- Friday after 8:00 pm and before 4:00 pm
- All day Saturday and Sunday.
Whether you're in a hurry and looking for the quickest route, or a leisurely drive with less traffic, there are many different routes to take from Canton, Ohio to Concord, North Carolina. With so many variables impacting your drive time, make sure to remember “time is of the essence” and plan accordingly. Safe travels!