赶路 literally means 'to drive (or urge) the road'—a vivid metaphor where 赶 (gǎn) conveys urgency or haste, and 路 (lù) means 'road' or 'journey.' Together, they describe the action of traveling quickly to reach a destination on time, often implying effort, determination, or time pressure. It’s commonly used for overland travel—by foot, bicycle, car, or public transport—and emphasizes purposeful movement rather than leisurely sightseeing.

This phrase appears frequently in everyday speech and writing when describing commutes, long-distance trips, or urgent departures—such as rushing to catch a train, returning home before dark, or delivering something urgently. It carries a neutral-to-slightly formal tone and is rarely used for air travel (where 登机 or 赶飞机 is preferred). Native speakers often pair it with time expressions like 早点 (early), 晚上 (at night), or 快点 (hurry up) to reinforce the sense of urgency.