How Long Would a Road Trip Through All 50 States Take?

By Alice Nichols

Are you dreaming about a once-in-a-lifetime road trip that takes you through all 50 states of the United States? The idea of hitting the open road, discovering new places, and meeting different people along the way is certainly an exciting prospect.

But have you ever wondered how long it would take to complete such an epic journey? In this article, we’ll explore the logistics of a road trip through all 50 states and give you an estimate of how much time you’ll need to set aside for this adventure.

Planning Your Route

The first step in planning a road trip through all 50 states is deciding on your route. While there are many different ways to approach this, most people tend to start either on the East Coast or West Coast and work their way across the country. Popular starting points include New York City, Miami, Seattle, and San Diego.

Once you’ve chosen your starting point, it’s time to map out your route. This is where things can get tricky because there are so many different ways to go about it. Some people prefer to stick mainly to interstates and major highways while others prefer scenic routes that take them off the beaten path.

The Logistics

Assuming you’re driving straight through without taking any detours or stopping to see any sights along the way, it would take approximately 8-9 days of non-stop driving to travel through all 48 contiguous states. However, if you want to include Alaska and Hawaii in your itinerary (which we highly recommend), you’ll need to factor in additional time for flights and/or ferry rides.

Of course, most people aren’t looking for a non-stop driving experience when they plan a road trip like this. After all, what’s the point of seeing all 50 states if you can’t stop and enjoy some of their unique attractions along the way? With that in mind, we recommend allowing at least 3-4 months to complete a road trip through all 50 states.

The Benefits of Taking Your Time

While it’s certainly possible to complete a road trip through all 50 states in less than 100 days, we highly recommend taking your time and enjoying the journey. There are so many incredible sights and experiences to be had along the way, from the stunning beaches of Hawaii to the majestic mountains of Colorado to the rolling hills of Tennessee.

Taking your time also allows you to get off the beaten path and explore some of the lesser-known corners of America. You might stumble upon hidden gem attractions that you wouldn’t have discovered otherwise. Plus, by spacing out your driving over several months, you’ll avoid burnout and be able to savor each destination more fully.

In Conclusion

A road trip through all 50 states is an incredible adventure that requires careful planning and a significant amount of time. While it’s possible to drive straight through in as little as 8-9 days, we highly recommend taking at least 3-4 months to truly enjoy all that America has to offer.

So what are you waiting for? Start planning your epic road trip today!

  • Choose your starting point wisely
  • Map out your route carefully
  • Allow at least 3-4 months for the journey
  • Take your time and enjoy each destination fully