How Long Does It Take To Drive From Alabama to Utah?

Are you planning a road trip from Alabama to Utah, but you're not quite sure how long the drive will take? It all depends on the route you take and the traffic patterns along the way. Here's a breakdown of the fastest and slowest routes, along with estimated driving times.

Fastest Route: I-40 West

Taking the I-40 West route will get you to Utah the fastest, with a total distance of approximately 1,450 miles. If you can drive for around ten hours a day, it will only take you two days of driving to get there. At low traffic times, you can reach your destination in as little as 23 hours. To make the best of your journey, you might want to make a stop in either Little Rock or Oklahoma City where there are amazing places to visit like the Oklahoma City National Memorial or the National Museum of Natural History in Little Rock.

Scenic Route: I-10 West to I-15 North

If you have some extra time and want to see some beautiful scenery along the way, consider taking the I-10 West to the I-15 North route through California and Nevada. This route is longer at approximately 1,930 miles and will take you roughly 30 hours to drive from Alabama to Utah. This route will offer amazing view at the Zion National Park and the Yosemite National Park.

Slowest Route: US-60 to I-70 West

The slowest route is the US-60 to I-70 West route, which is around 1,750 miles total. The driving time is estimated to be around 32 hours at low traffic times. The US-60 part of the route is a two-lane highway with a speed limit of 55 mph, so it can slow you down a bit. You can also visit attractions like the Ozark National Scenic Riverways and the Arches National Park along the way.

Dealing with Traffic

When it comes to driving long distances, traffic can be a real challenge. Rush hour and holiday traffic can add significant time to your journey. The busiest times are usually between 6 am to 10 am and 3 pm to 7 pm. Keep in mind, how long you stop even during the drive; make sure it won't add to more delay on the planned arrival.

To ensure the shortest possible drive time, check the traffic patterns for your route before you head out and plan accordingly. You might consider taking a break from driving and spending the night at one of the many motels or hotels along the way.

In conclusion, driving from Alabama to Utah can take from one day to several days depending on the route you choose, traffic patterns, and how fast you can drive. Whatever route you take, enjoy the journey, visit attractions, and take a lot of pictures along the way.