Are you planning a road trip from San Francisco to Seattle? This journey has become increasingly popular in recent years, thanks to the beautiful scenery and picturesque towns along the way.
But how long does it actually take to make this drive? Let’s find out.
Route Options
First things first, there are a few different route options for this road trip. The most direct route is to take I-5 North all the way from San Francisco to Seattle. This route spans approximately 807 miles and takes around 12-13 hours of driving time without any stops.
However, many travelers opt for a more scenic route that takes them through some of the Pacific Northwest’s most stunning landscapes. This route includes taking Highway 101 up the coast of California and Oregon before cutting over to I-5 at Olympia, Washington. This route spans approximately 1,060 miles and can take anywhere from 16-20 hours depending on how many stops you make along the way.
Driving Time Breakdown
To get a better idea of how long this road trip will take you, let’s break down the driving time for each section:
- San Francisco to Eureka (Highway 101): Approx. 5 hours
- Eureka to Coos Bay (Highway 101): Approx. 4 hours
- Coos Bay to Florence (Highway 101): Approx. 1 hour
- Florence to Newport (Highway 101): Approx.
1 hour
- Newport to Astoria (Highway 101): Approx. 3 hours
- Astoria to Olympia (I-5): Approx. 2.5 hours
- Olympia to Seattle (I-5): Approx. 1 hour
Keep in mind that these times are just estimates and don’t include any time spent at pit stops or scenic overlooks. It’s important to budget extra time for these things, as they are an essential part of any road trip experience.
Other Factors to Consider
In addition to drive time, there are a few other factors to consider when planning your San Francisco to Seattle road trip. First and foremost, the time of year you travel can greatly affect your journey.
In the winter months, you may encounter snow and ice on the roads in certain areas, which can slow down your progress. Additionally, traffic can be heavy during peak travel times such as holidays and summer weekends.
Another thing to keep in mind is accommodations along the way. Depending on how long you plan on taking to make this trip, you may need to book hotels or campgrounds in advance. Popular tourist destinations such as Cannon Beach and Astoria can fill up quickly during peak travel season.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the length of your San Francisco to Seattle road trip will depend on a variety of factors including your route choice, number of stops along the way, and time of year traveled. If you’re looking for a more leisurely journey with plenty of sightseeing opportunities, it’s best to allow at least three days for this trip.
On the other hand, if you’re simply trying to get from point A to point B as quickly as possible, expect around 12-13 hours of driving time on the most direct route. Whatever route you choose, be sure to take plenty of breaks and enjoy all that the Pacific Northwest has to offer!