How Long Would a Road Trip to Every State Take?

By Michael Ferguson

Road trips are a popular way to explore the vast and diverse landscape of the United States. From the rugged Pacific coastline of California to the rolling hills of Kentucky, each state has its own unique beauty and charm.

But have you ever wondered how long it would take to travel to every state in the country? In this article, we’ll break down the logistics of such a trip and give you an estimate of how long it would take.

First off, let’s establish some ground rules. To visit every state in the US, you’ll need to travel to all 50 states, including Hawaii and Alaska.

We’ll assume that you’re starting from a central location in the continental US, say Chicago. We’ll also assume that you’re driving a car and not flying between states.

So, how long would this epic road trip take? Well, it depends on several factors such as driving time between each state, time spent exploring each state’s attractions and landmarks, and even traffic conditions.

To get an estimate of driving time between each state, we can use Google Maps. According to Google Maps’ estimate, it would take approximately 224 hours (9 days and 8 hours) of non-stop driving time to travel between all 48 contiguous states. However, this doesn’t account for time spent sleeping or eating along the way.

Once you factor in rest stops and overnight stays at hotels or campgrounds, this trip could easily take several weeks or even months to complete. If you were to spend just one day in each state exploring its attractions and landmarks, that would add an additional 50 days (or almost two months) to your journey.

Of course, if you’re planning such a trip, chances are you wouldn’t want to rush through each state in just one day. There’s so much to see and do in every corner of the country! From hiking through national parks to sampling local cuisine and attending festivals or events, each state has its own unique experiences to offer.

To make the most of your road trip and truly experience everything each state has to offer, we recommend spending at least 3-4 days in each state. This would allow you to explore major cities, visit national parks or landmarks, and get a taste of local culture and cuisine.

So, if you were to spend an average of 3-4 days in each state, this epic road trip could take anywhere from 150 to 200 days (or roughly 5-7 months) to complete. Of course, this is just a rough estimate and the actual time it would take depends on various factors such as route planning, weather conditions, and personal preferences.

In conclusion, a road trip to every state in the US is no small feat. It would require months of planning and preparation, as well as a sense of adventure and willingness to embrace the unexpected. But for those who are up for the challenge, such a trip can be an unforgettable experience that will leave you with memories that last a lifetime.