Recently, a question was posed about the best time of day to embark on a long journey. The majority of respondents, about 74 percent, prefer starting in the early morning hours. A smaller share associates travel with the night, around 13 percent, provided there are no traffic jams. Another 5 percent choose the afternoon, while 4 percent say it does not matter to them.
The poll was conducted on Za Rulem’s website over a period from May 12 to May 16, 2022.
Expert perspective
Ilya Pimenov, editor of the automotive site Behind the Wheel, offers insights based on experience.
When asked about the preferred window for a long trip, the vast majority lean toward an early start. This aligns with practical reasoning developed through a lifetime of driving. Beginning the journey before city streets awaken allows for a calm cruise while the urban heartbeat is still quiet. It also helps avoid the shearing effect of congestion that builds as people head to work. In many cases, the traffic jams encountered later in the day would be even more challenging, so setting out early can mean smoother progress. Driving during the heat of the day is tougher on both the driver and the vehicle, so early hours can be more comfortable and efficient overall.
It makes sense to count on a clear path early, with the caveat that there may be some regional variation. The core takeaway is that most long trips benefit from a morning start, assuming there are no heavy traffic delays. The idea is to minimize stop-and-go and maximize steady, predictable progress.
One important caveat remains: for such a trip, sufficient rest is essential, especially for those not accustomed to rising early. Without adequate sleep, fatigue can overtake energy, and neither caffeine nor any quick energy solution will fully compensate. Planning an extremely long distance under tired conditions is unwise. A practical target for a comfortable day’s drive tends to be around 800 kilometers, with 1000 kilometers or more becoming taxing for many drivers.
In the end, the question often reduces to two practical themes: a quiet start to the journey and a plan that respects the traveler’s need for rest and safe pacing. When those conditions are met, a morning departure offers a balance of efficiency, comfort, and sustained focus for the road ahead.
A visual asset associated with this topic is credited to Depositphotos for the driving imagery.