How Long Would It Take to Road Trip All 48 States?

By Michael Ferguson

Road tripping across the United States is a dream for many travel enthusiasts. With 48 contiguous states to explore, it’s no wonder that planning such a trip can be a daunting task.

The first question that comes to mind when planning such an adventure is “How long would it take to road trip all 48 states?” The answer is not as straightforward as you might think, as there are several factors that come into play.

Factors That Affect the Time Required

1. Distance: The total distance you’ll need to cover will depend on your starting and ending points, as well as the route you choose. A direct route from one coast to another would cover approximately 3,000 miles, while a zigzagging route could easily double or triple that distance.

2. Mode of Transportation: If you’re driving your own car or renting one, you’ll be able to make better time than if you’re traveling by public transport or hitchhiking.

3. Traffic Conditions: Heavy traffic can slow down your journey considerably, especially in urban areas during rush hour.

4. Sightseeing Stops: If your goal is not just to get from point A to point B but also to explore all the scenic spots along the way, this will add significantly more time to your trip.

The Shortest Possible Route

If you were to take the shortest possible route through all 48 contiguous states without any sightseeing stops or detours, it would take approximately 9 days of non-stop driving at an average speed of 60 mph. This means that you would need at least two drivers and rotate shifts every few hours in order to keep going non-stop for such an extended period of time.

The More Realistic Route

Of course, most people aren’t interested in just getting from one end of the country to the other as fast as possible. They want to see all the sights along the way, which means adding more time to their journey. If you were to take a more realistic route with stops at major tourist attractions and national parks, it would take at least 3-4 months to complete the trip.

What About Budget?

Another important factor to consider is your budget. Road tripping across the country can be expensive, especially if you’re traveling for an extended period of time. You’ll need to budget for fuel, accommodation, food, and entertainment expenses along the way.

Conclusion

In conclusion, road tripping across all 48 contiguous states can be an exciting adventure that will provide memories for a lifetime. However, it’s important to plan carefully and consider all factors that could impact your journey such as distance, mode of transportation, traffic conditions, sightseeing stops and budget. With proper planning and preparation, you’ll be able to make the most out of your trip and fully enjoy all that this great country has to offer!