Mapquest times...accurate???

[marius97]

Doing our first REALLY long drive this year to Disney. Mapquest says about 18 1/2 hours. In making a drive back to where I grew up, I noticed that mapquest (and the other map services) said 3hrs, but I can consistently do it in about 2 hr 45 min...and I only drive about 73 in a 70 mph speed limit. Have you found that you can make a long drive like that in a shorter timeframe? What about stops? We'll be making about 10 of the 18 hours while kids are sleeping, stop only for gas, eat in the car and as few stretch breaks as possible. How much extra time do you budget for stops on a long drive?

 

[kaytieeldr]

Since you will apparently be driving through multiple states, IMO you would be best advised to plan to obey all speed limits; therefore, mapquest's times (which are based on that, and distance) would seem relatively accurate.

A three hour drive at 70 MPH indicates a distance of 210 miles; 210 divided by 73 (mph) equals about 2.86 hours. The actual distance could be a bit shorter than the implied 210, or a speed of "about 73 in a 70 mph speed limit" could vary (unless one is using cruise control).

 

[roscoepc1]

I think you need to take into account familiarity with roads etc...

If you KNOW where an intersection is, you slow down just in time for it....if you don't, you might drive slower for a bit looking, kwim?

I also would NEVER take a mapquest route if it's somewhere I'm familiar with....there's always shortcuts etc a local knows about that mapquest won't...

Also, I think mapquest likely adds a little time for quick stops.....perhaps for fuel, or a bathroom?

 

[miss missy]

I have bad luck with them, always get bad directions. I think they dont update roads enough

 

[Darcy03231]

From my house to WDW Mapquest says 21 hours. My brother and SIL drove from my house and it took them 26 hours on the way down (there was an accident and they ran into traffic) and 25 hours on the way home. They drove straight through and changed drivers every 4 hours.

 

[LovinPooh]

We have used MQ 4 times on trips to FL. In general they are right on. They say we are 21 hours away as well. And we usually do get there in 21 deducting stopping for sleep and food and such.
We always use cruise control. There are some wicked speed traps. Got stopped on the VA/NC border a few years back doing 88mph. DH got a court date. We had to hire a lawyer and all that BS... ugh!