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by Donna
(California)
Question: We will be driving from Boston to Chatham for a wedding on the Saturday after a Labor Day. We would like to arrive in Chatham by 2pm.
I see that it would be horrible traffic if it was still summer, but don't know what it could be like since this is a Saturday right after the Labor Day weekend.
Any comments as to how long the drive might take?
Dee's Reply: Hi Donna - This is a tough one to predict, because a lot will depend on the weather that weekend. On a gorgeous late-summer Saturday, it's safe to expect a good number of "day trippers" coming to the Cape to get in one last beach day. That would mean at least moderate traffic on the way down from Boston, and maybe a mile or two slow-down approaching the Sagamore bridge.
On an off-season day with no traffic tie-ups, it's approximately a 2-hour drive from Boston to Chatham.
I'm the kind of person who would rather get to my destination an hour early than 15 minutes late. So, if it were me, I'd probably plan to leave Boston by 11 a.m. at the latest. That gives an hour to play with - either sitting in traffic or getting a cup of coffee in Chatham if you arrive early for the wedding.
Last but not least, be sure to check in with the local traffic reports that morning. If traffic is already an issue by 9:30 or 10 a.m., you'll know that an early departure for Cape Cod is probably a good idea.
Safe travels ... and best wishes to the happy couple!
Best Regards,
Dee