How accurate are google maps "depart at" and "arrive by" travel times?

[Anonymous]

I know that they cannot predict a given day, but on the whole are they worth anything? I checked my commute and the time range sounds about right.

In particular, what I am trying to figure out is whether the range of times they give for travel from here to the Outer Banks means anything. I ask because everyone says to leave at 5am on Saturday to avoid a complete disaster, but according to google maps leaving at 5am vs 8am would only save about 20 minutes. Is that really all? Am I missing something?

[Anonymous]

I've had good luck with them overall, even the walking and biking ones. I find I tend to walk a tad faster than they predict but overall accurate.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I know that they cannot predict a given day, but on the whole are they worth anything? I checked my commute and the time range sounds about right.

In particular, what I am trying to figure out is whether the range of times they give for travel from here to the Outer Banks means anything. I ask because everyone says to leave at 5am on Saturday to avoid a complete disaster, but according to google maps leaving at 5am vs 8am would only save about 20 minutes. Is that really all? Am I missing something?

Just leave before 6. Trust me.

[Anonymous]

Make sure you are looking at the time you will leave. It takes into account real-time traffic. I made that mistake in ATL. 10pm at home is not the same as 5pm on the road in ATL.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I know that they cannot predict a given day, but on the whole are they worth anything? I checked my commute and the time range sounds about right.

In particular, what I am trying to figure out is whether the range of times they give for travel from here to the Outer Banks means anything. I ask because everyone says to leave at 5am on Saturday to avoid a complete disaster, but according to google maps leaving at 5am vs 8am would only save about 20 minutes. Is that really all? Am I missing something?

Just leave before 6. Trust me.

LOL okay I am leaning toward this but this google maps thing is throwing me. Convince me?

PP I looked at both the departure time and arrival time numbers.

[Anonymous]

Po here: you cannot go by the map times right now, unless you plan on leaving at this time departure day. Google maps uses real-time traffic conditions to give you time estimates, so it will be different now vs 5pm vs 5am. What time would you prefer to leave for the location? Tomorrow or on the weekend, look at the map at that time and you'll have a more accurate time estimate because traffic will be about the same.

[Anonymous]

Presuming you are leaving from inside the beltway, or close to where 95 south is, the toll lanes are southbound till mid afternoon Saturday, which helps usually help. That being said, I wouldn't leave at 5 AM. 7 AM should work, there may be a backup where the toll lanes merge w/95 in Garrisonville, and maybe a bit of a backup in Fredericksburg, but that should be it. Watch your speed around Richmond, there are a lot of hiding spots on 295.

[Anonymous]

Rule of thumb is to add an hour or two

[Anonymous]

OP here. Thanks!