is map quest really accurate with time?

[stahshee]

Is map quest as accurate as if you were driving. If it says 19 hours is it really 19? Just wondering?

 

[Bob P]

No way to answer that one...it depends on lots of things: do you always keep to the speed limit? Do you go over the speed limit, and by how much? Do you drive under the speed limit? Is there any construction along the way? What about accidents? Rain? Snow?

It's just a general idea based on a general formula.

Bob

 

[MrsToad]

MapQuest states our frequent trips from CT to NJ should take 3 hours and 14 minutes. The typical time for us is 4 hours but it can range from 3 1/2 hours with no rest stops and no traffic to 6 hours plus if we hit rush hour traffic, general traffic congestion, or road construction along the way. Our trips have been during the week, week-ends, and at all times of day...it's hard to tell how the trip will go.

Just my opinion but while I like MapQuest for directions, I don't think it does a good job of estimating traffic congestion and rest stops; maybe the time will average out for your longer journey. Have a good trip.

 

[tmt martins]

They use Speed limits posted on roads for most formulas they use then factor in stop and starts for Red lighted streets.

 

[wdwgoofeeee]

I have found that you cannot trust MapQuest to get you to your final destination. Several times we have followed their instructions and could not get all the way there. They are fine for getting you to the general vicinity but the final pieces of their directions have almost always been wrong.
I have heard good things about the Rand McNally directions as well as Yahoo.

 

[Letsbgoofy]

We have always found their times to be a little high. For example, we drove from WDW to my friends house in Tampa. Mapquest gave us a time about 1/2 an hour more than how long it actually took. Driving from NY to the Outerbanks our time was about 2 hours high. It all depends on the time you are driving. I think Mapquest figures traffic into their times, and we have been lucky not to hit it.

I live in NY (about 1 hour south of Syracuse), and it takes us 19 hours alomost exactly. We stop 2-3 times for gas and bathroom breaks. I never did a Mapquest to Orlando to see how long they say it is.

 

[Tigger_Magic]

Bottom line -- no, Mapquest is not accurate on time and in some cases even with directions. If I am familiar with the area, it may take less time than Mapquest says; other times it takes longer. I use it as a general guide, a nice guesstimate, but nothing written in stone.

 

[mickeyfan2]

I tend to find that they are a little high on the time.

 

[stahshee]

What would you suggest in sted of Map quest?

 

[CharityLynn]

Yahoo maps is pretty good..and someone else recommended Rand McNally

 

[DisneyElf]

Mapquest is not always dependable. We were going from a hotel in Buffalo to meet fellow disney fans in Niagra Falls. After going on the Thruway - and heading to the next junction - they had us getting off on exit 19 - and when we got on the road - the exits started at # 8 - and went down Thankfully - the signs got us there okay.

 

[salmoneous]

I think mapquest is reasonablly good for directions. As for times, it can be useful, but you have to use it as a guideline not absolute fact. I know from experience that their times are a bit high for me. If they say a trip will take 5 hours, it'll take me about 4 1/2.

 

[Calliaz]

What would you suggest in sted of Map quest?

I like Mappoint (yes, it's an evil Microsoft site). They seem to have up-to-date info on road work and closures.

 

[klineyqueen]

I also tend to find their times high...but I also tend to be a fast driver. I have loved their directions. I set the triptic in my car and measure the miles for every single turn or direction that they give and they are amazingly accurate. I enjoy having it written down because watching the miles helps me get through any long haul that I may drive.

 

[MrsToad]

Has anyone who has AAA tried their directions? How do you find them?