Road trip from Arizona to Florida: What's the driving time?

Are you planning a road trip from Arizona to Florida? It's a long journey, but also an exciting adventure. Before hitting the road, you might be wondering how long it will take you to drive from one state to the other. Well, it depends on the route you choose, the traffic, and your driving speed. In this post, we'll explore some of the fastest and slowest options to make your trip planning easier.

The fastest and slowest routes

There are different routes you can take from Arizona to Florida. The fastest one is to drive through Texas and Louisiana, going all the way to the Florida Panhandle. This route is approximately 1,750 miles long and takes around 27 hours to drive non-stop. However, keep in mind that driving non-stop is not recommended, as you'd need to take breaks for rest, meals, and fuel. Also, traffic can slow you down, especially in big cities like Houston and New Orleans.

If you're looking for a more scenic route, you might want to consider driving through the southeast, passing through popular tourist destinations like New Orleans, Mobile, Atlanta, and Savannah. This route is approximately 2,100 miles long and takes around 34 hours to drive non-stop. While it may take longer than the Texas route, it offers stunning views, historic landmarks, and southern hospitality.

Driving time based on traffic patterns

The driving time from Arizona to Florida can vary depending on the traffic patterns along the way. During peak travel times, like holidays and summer weekends, expect heavier traffic and longer travel times. On the flip side, traveling during off-peak times, like weekdays and early mornings, can help you avoid traffic congestion and shorten your driving time.

If you're driving through Texas, you should be aware that Houston is notorious for its traffic jams. Rush hour in Houston usually lasts from 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. and from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Avoiding these times could shave off some time from your trip. New Orleans can also get congested during Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest, so plan accordingly.

Estimated driving times for different routes

Here's a breakdown of estimated driving times for the two main routes from Arizona to Florida, based on average driving speeds and traffic patterns.

Fastest route: Arizona - Texas - Louisiana - Florida

Distance: 1,750 miles
Non-stop driving time: 27 hours
Driving time during peak traffic: 30-35 hours
Driving time during low traffic: 22-24 hours

Southeast route: Arizona - New Mexico - Texas - Louisiana - Mississippi - Alabama - Georgia - Florida

Distance: 2,100 miles
Non-stop driving time: 34 hours
Driving time during peak traffic: 38-43 hours
Driving time during low traffic: 28-30 hours

Conclusion

Driving from Arizona to Florida can be a memorable experience, but it's important to plan ahead to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable trip. Choosing the right route, avoiding peak traffic times, and taking breaks are all key factors in making your journey successful. Whether you want to take the fastest or most scenic route, remember to enjoy the ride and the beautiful landscapes you'll witness along the way.