How Long Would It Take to Road Trip Every State?

By Robert Palmer

Are you an avid traveler looking to explore the United States? Have you ever wondered how long it would take to go on a road trip and visit every state?

Well, buckle up and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime! In this article, we’ll explore the logistics of a cross-country road trip and estimate how long it would take to visit all 50 states.

The Plan

Before we begin, let’s establish some ground rules. To keep things simple, we’ll assume that the starting point for this road trip is in Washington D.C. We’ll also assume that you have unlimited time and resources at your disposal. However, we’ll be using Google Maps to calculate the driving distance between each state capital to get a more accurate estimate of travel time.

The Numbers

According to Google Maps, the total driving distance to visit all 50 state capitals from Washington D. is approximately 14,500 miles. If you were to drive non-stop without taking any breaks, it would take you around 224 hours or about 9 days and 8 hours.

But Wait!

Before you start packing your bags and hitting the road, there are some important factors to consider that could significantly impact your travel time. For starters, traffic can be a major obstacle in certain areas of the country. Rush hour traffic in cities like Los Angeles or New York City can add hours or even days to your travel time.

Another factor to consider is weather conditions. Winter storms or hurricanes can cause major delays and even force road closures in certain parts of the country.

The Route

To make things easier, we’ve come up with a sample route that will take you through all 50 states while minimizing backtracking and optimizing travel time:

  • Washington D.
  • Maryland
  • Pennsylvania
  • New Jersey
  • New York
  • Connecticut
  • Rhode Island
  • Massachusetts
  • New Hampshire
  • Maine
  • Vermont
  • Ohio
  • Michigan
  • Indiana
  • Illinois
  • Wisconsin
  • Minnesota
  • Iowa
  • Missouri
  • Kansas
  • Oklahoma
  • Texas
  • New Mexico

  • Arizona

  • Nevada

  • California

  • Oregon

  • Washington State
  • The Final Verdict

    Considering all the factors we’ve discussed, it’s safe to say that a road trip to visit all 50 states would take at least several months. However, the memories and experiences that you’ll gain from such a journey are priceless and worth every mile.

    In conclusion, a cross-country road trip to visit all 50 states is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that requires careful planning and consideration. While it may take several months to complete, the adventure and memories you’ll create along the way are sure to last a lifetime!