Driving from Boston Logan to Salem
 

I'm planning to rent a car at Logan airport and drive to Salem. It will be in the early part of May, on a Saturday afternoon. How long do you think it will take? I was planning to use 1 A. Is that a highway or an ordinary road with traffic lights? Should I expect insane traffic? I will return the car back to Logan on a Sunday afternoon.

Many thanks.

1A is a roadway (not highway) with traffic lights and strip malls - average speed is about 30 mph - but just because area has normal city congestion, not "insane traffic". You could also head up Rte 1 North to Route 114 exit - go towards Salem and follow signs. Beware that road takes several unexpected turns, but it is well marked.

There is also a train - if you would prefer. MBTA.com gives schedules, routing, timing.

I've thought about the train, but we probably want the flexibility that goes with having a car.

Saturday afternoon is more likely to be on the heavy traffic side, just because people will be out and about - especially if it is a nice day. You will drive farther if you take Routes 1 and 114 than if you take 1A, but you usually can drive faster, so the time will probably be about the same. Google Maps says around 35 minutes for either routing, but that sounds optimistic to me for a Saturday afternoon, based on past experience.

By the way, watch signs carefully as you leave the airport, or you will end up on 1A South going into Boston (and paying a toll for the privilege).