How Long Does it Take to Drive from Carlsbad, NM to St. Louis, MO?
Are you planning a road trip from Carlsbad, New Mexico to St. Louis, Missouri? The thought of a long road trip may seem daunting at first, but with a little preparation and knowledge, it can be a fun adventure. One of the first things to consider is driving time. Let's take a closer look at the driving time for different routes between Carlsbad and St. Louis.
Route Options and Distances
The fastest route from Carlsbad to St. Louis is via Interstate 40 East and Interstate 44 East, covering a total distance of 1,033 miles. This drive will take approximately 15 hours with no stops. For a more scenic route, consider taking Highway 54 North to Interstate 70 East, covering a total of 1,140 miles. This route will take approximately 16.5 hours with no stops.
Peak and Low Traffic Times
It's important to note that the time taken to drive from Carlsbad to St. Louis is greatly impacted by the time of day and day of the week. Rush hour traffic in larger cities can greatly extend your driving time. For example, in the morning rush hour (around 7-9 am), it might take you 20-30 minutes to cover five miles in the city. However, if you're traveling during the evening rush hour (around 4-6 pm), it might take you an hour to cover the same distance.
If you're looking to avoid peak traffic, consider driving between 10 am and 3 pm or after 7 pm. Saturday and Sunday mornings are also great options for avoiding traffic. If you're traveling during a holiday weekend, expect heavier traffic than normal.
Driving Time Breakdown
To break it down further, assuming no stops and average traffic:
Fastest route, 1,033 miles:
- Peak traffic time: 16.5-18 hours
- Low traffic time: 14-15.5 hours
Scenic route, 1,140 miles:
- Peak traffic time: 18-19.5 hours
- Low traffic time: 15.5-17 hours
Final Thoughts
No matter which route you choose, a road trip from Carlsbad, New Mexico to St. Louis, Missouri is an adventure waiting to happen. Be sure to plan for rest stops, fuel stops, and meal breaks along the way. Bring plenty of snacks, water, and entertainment to keep boredom at bay. Happy travels!