How Long Is Coast to Coast Road Trip?

By Alice Nichols

Are you planning to embark on a coast to coast road trip? It’s an epic adventure that many people dream of but are often discouraged by the sheer distance. So, how long is a coast to coast road trip?

Well, the answer depends on your starting and ending points and the route you take. The distance between New York City on the east coast and Los Angeles on the west coast is around 2800 miles if you take the most direct route. However, most people don’t take this direct route as they want to explore more places along the way.

If you plan to start your journey in New York City and end in Los Angeles, taking a more scenic route through popular destinations such as Chicago, Yellowstone National Park, Las Vegas, and San Francisco, then your road trip distance will be approximately 3500 miles. This distance is equivalent to driving from London to Moscow or from Sydney to Perth.

So how long does it take to drive this distance? Again, it depends on various factors such as your driving speed, how many stops you make along the way, and whether you drive continuously without any breaks. If you drive non-stop at an average speed of 60 mph, it will take around 58 hours to complete the journey from New York City to Los Angeles.

However, we don’t recommend driving non-stop for such a long distance. It’s essential to take breaks every few hours for rest and relaxation. Also, when embarking on such a long journey, it’s crucial to plan your itinerary in advance and allocate enough time for exploring different destinations along the way.

Here’s a rough estimate of how much time it might take if you spend an average of 8 hours per day driving:

– If you plan for a week-long road trip with 8 hours of driving each day from New York City to Los Angeles via Chicago: It will take approximately 7-8 days.
– If you plan for a two-week long road trip with 8 hours of driving each day from New York City to Los Angeles via Yellowstone National Park, Las Vegas, and San Francisco: It will take approximately 15-16 days.

Keep in mind that these are just rough estimates, and the actual time may vary depending on your pace and how much time you spend exploring different destinations along the way.

In conclusion, a coast to coast road trip is an epic adventure that covers thousands of miles and takes weeks to complete. However, it’s an experience of a lifetime that allows you to explore the diverse landscapes, cultures, and people of America. So pack your bags, buckle up and get ready for an adventure like no other!