The Ultimate Road Trip: Driving from Cary, NC to Washington DC

Are you planning a road trip from Cary, North Carolina to Washington, DC? When it comes to driving, both cities are in close proximity with only 274 miles between them. However, the time it takes to drive from Cary to DC varies based on several factors. In this blog post, we'll give you an overview of the driving routes and the estimated time of arrival based on traffic patterns.

The Fastest Route

The fastest route from Cary, NC, to Washington, DC is via I-95 N, which is the most direct route. This route spans about 272 miles and takes approximately 4 hours to drive without any delays or traffic. During peak hours, this drive may take longer due to traffic congestion. When driving during rush hour, be prepared to add an additional 30 to 45 minutes on to your travel time.

The Scenic Route

If you are looking for a more scenic route from Cary to DC, consider taking I-85 N and I-295 N. This route adds an extra 50 miles to your journey, making it span approximately 325 miles, taking around 5 hours of driving time. While there's a chance that this drive will be less congested than I-95 N, it does only have two lanes at some points and passes through rural areas with lower speed limits.

The Slowest Route

The slowest route from Cary to Washington, DC, is through the Hampton Roads area of Virginia by taking I-95N and US-17N. This route has a higher risk of congestion due to the frequent construction on I-64 and I-295 around Richmond and the Tidewater region. With a distance of 324 miles, the trip can take up to 6 hours of driving time depending on distances traveled due to detours and delays.

Timing Your Drive

If you are looking to avoid peak-hour traffic, you want to leave before 6 am and return after 8 pm. The heaviest travel times around Richmond and Fredericksburg are around 7 am to 10 am and around 4 pm to 7 pm. Baltimore and the DC areas experience heavy traffic during lunchtime and between 3 pm to 7 pm. Keep these hours in mind when planning your trip and avoid unnecessary delays by timing your travel during lull hours.

In closing, the duration of the drive from Cary to DC can vary based on the route driven and the traffic conditions. However, it's important to keep in mind that there's always the possibility of running into a detour or construction project that could impact your travel time. But with a little planning, you can minimize the delays and enjoy the journey!