What You Need to Know About Driving from Cape May, NJ to Colorado Springs, CO

If you're planning a road trip from Cape May, NJ to Colorado Springs, CO, there are a few things you'll need to consider. The journey is long and can take anywhere from 28 to over 32 hours of driving time, depending on the route you take and traffic patterns. In this post, we'll explore the fastest and slowest routes, the mileage, and how long it would take for you to drive during peak traffic and low traffic times.

Fastest Route

The fastest route from Cape May to Colorado Springs is via I-76 W and I-70 W that cuts across Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, and Kansas to reach Colorado. The total distance is around 1,640 miles, and the drive time is approximately 27 hours. While the journey covers a lot of ground, you'll be traveling on mostly interstate highways, which makes for an easy and straightforward drive.

Scenic Route

If you prefer to take in more scenery, the slowest but more picturesque route involves driving through Virginia, West Virginia, Kentucky, Ohio, Illinois, Missouri, and Kansas before reaching Colorado via I-70 W. This journey covers around 1,900 miles and takes over 31 hours. The scenery may be worth the extra driving time if you have the time and inclination to take the slower pace.

Traffic Patterns

The traffic patterns on the route can significantly affect how long it takes you to get to your destination. Assuming average traffic conditions, you can expect the journey from Cape May to take around 28 hours via the more direct I-76 W and I-70 W route. Traffic can increase around major cities like Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, St. Louis, and Denver, so it can be helpful to time your trip to avoid peak traffic times.

Peak Traffic Times

During peak traffic times, your journey could take significantly longer. The worst time to travel through Pittsburgh is on a Friday afternoon and early evening. Similarly, Cincinnati and St. Louis can become congested during rush hour. During your drive, a helpful tip to avoid peak traffic is to plan a stopover in a small town or city to avoid major metropolitan areas during rush hour.

Low Traffic Times

If you plan to travel during a less busy time, you'll cut down on drive time. During low traffic times, the same journey from Cape May to Colorado Springs can take around 26 hours. It would be best to avoid traveling during the holiday season, as this can cause delays and add to your overall drive time.

In conclusion, driving from Cape May, NJ, to Colorado Springs, CO, is a long journey that requires planning and preparation. The fastest route is via I-76 W and I-70 W, but the more scenic route is an excellent option if you have the time. Traffic patterns can significantly affect your drive time, so it is crucial to make sure you plan your trip accordingly. Whether you prefer to drive through busy cities or small towns, there is a route that can work for you. Safe travels!