How Many Weeks Is a Cross Country Road Trip?

By Michael Ferguson

Are you planning a cross country road trip and wondering how many weeks it will take? The answer to this question depends on several factors, such as the distance of your trip, the route you take, and how many stops you plan to make along the way. In this article, we’ll explore these factors in more detail to help you estimate how long your cross country road trip might take.

Distance

The first factor that determines the length of your cross country road trip is the distance you need to cover. The United States is vast, and depending on where you start and end your journey, you could be driving anywhere from 2,000 miles to over 5,000 miles.

Route

The route you take can also affect how long your trip will take. If you’re taking a direct route from coast to coast, it could take anywhere from five to seven days of nonstop driving. However, most people choose to make stops along the way to see different parts of the country.

One popular route for a cross-country road trip is Route 66. This historic highway stretches from Chicago to Santa Monica and covers almost 2,500 miles. If you decide to follow this route and stop at some of the popular tourist destinations along the way (such as Grand Canyon National Park or Cadillac Ranch), it could take up to three weeks.

Another popular route is the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), which runs along the California coast from San Francisco to San Diego. This scenic drive covers approximately 650 miles and can be done in as little as two days or as long as a week if you stop at various beaches and towns along the way.

  • Chicago
  • Santa Monica
  • Grand Canyon National Park
  • Cadillac Ranch
  • Pacific Coast Highway
  • San Francisco
  • San Diego

Stops Along the Way

The number of stops you make along the way can have a significant impact on how long your cross country road trip takes. If you plan to visit several national parks, major cities, and other attractions, it could take several weeks to complete your journey.

For example, if you plan to visit Yellowstone National Park, Mount Rushmore, and Niagara Falls on your trip, it’s likely that you’ll need at least three weeks to see everything. On the other hand, if you’re only planning on making a few quick stops along the way, your trip could be much shorter.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the length of a cross country road trip varies depending on several factors. The distance of your trip, the route you take, and the number of stops you make all play a role in determining how long it will take. Regardless of how long your trip takes, a cross country road trip is an adventure that everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime.