What is a route called that connects two terminals within or adjacent to one ARTCC area?

The correct term for a route that connects two terminals within or adjacent to one ARTCC (Air Route Traffic Control Center) area is a preferential arrival and departure route. These routes are designed to optimize the flow of air traffic into and out of specific terminal areas, allowing for efficient and predictable aircraft movements while minimizing congestion in busy airspaces.

Preferential arrival and departure routes help streamline air traffic by providing clear guidelines and preferred paths for aircraft, easing coordination between various air traffic control sectors. This connection is especially critical in busy areas where aircraft are frequently arriving and departing, ensuring safety and efficiency in the management of air traffic.

While the other options relate to different aspects of air traffic routing — such as departures or arrival flow management — they do not specifically define a route that connects terminals within the context of ARTCC areas as effectively as the preferential arrival and departure route does. These alternatives might include specific routing for departures or arrivals but do not capture the broader concept of connecting terminal operations within the ARTCC framework.