How Long Is a Drive to Be Considered a Road Trip?

By Michael Ferguson

When it comes to planning a weekend getaway or a vacation, one of the most exciting parts is hitting the road and embarking on a road trip. But how long does a drive have to be to be considered a road trip? Is there an official distance, or is it more about the journey itself?

The truth is, there’s no set distance that determines whether a drive can be classified as a road trip. It’s more about the intention behind the drive and what you hope to get out of it.

For some people, driving an hour or two away from home can feel like a road trip. They might pack snacks, create a playlist, and plan some stops along the way to make the most of their time on the road. Others might not consider anything less than an eight-hour drive to be worthy of being called a “road trip.”

Ultimately, what counts as a road trip is subjective and varies from person to person. However, there are some factors that can help determine whether your drive qualifies as one:

Intention

If you’re simply commuting or running errands, then your drive doesn’t count as a road trip. A true road trip involves setting out with the intention of exploring new places and experiencing something different.

Duration

Again, there’s no hard-and-fast rule when it comes to how long your drive needs to be for it to qualify as a road trip. However, most people would agree that anything less than two hours probably doesn’t count.

Stops Along The Way

One hallmark of any good road trip is making stops along the way to explore new sights and experiences. If you’re driving straight through without any detours or sightseeing breaks, then your journey might not qualify as a true road trip.

Destination

While your destination doesn’t necessarily dictate whether your journey is a road trip or not, it can certainly add to the experience. If you’re driving to a place you’ve never been before and plan on exploring it once you arrive, then your journey definitely qualifies as a road trip.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the length of a drive required to be considered a road trip varies from person to person. What matters most is the intention behind the drive and what you hope to get out of it.

Whether you’re driving an hour or ten hours, if you’re setting out with the intention of exploring new places and having an adventure, then your journey qualifies as a road trip. So pack some snacks, create a playlist, and hit the open road – your next great adventure awaits!