Road Trip from Bakersfield to Nashville: What's the Driving Time Like?

Road tripping from Bakersfield, California, to Nashville, Tennessee, is quite a journey, but definitely one to remember. You'll have the chance to drive through some beautiful parts of the country, but before you start planning your itinerary, it's important to know how long the journey will take.

Fastest and Slowest Routes

There are several routes you can take from Bakersfield to Nashville, each with its own driving time and distance. The fastest route, according to Google Maps, is to take I-40 E, which will take you through areas such as Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and Arkansas before arriving in Tennessee. This route is approximately 1,942 miles long and takes about 29 hours on average.

However, if you prefer a more scenic drive, you might want to consider taking Route 66 instead. While this route is slightly longer (2,079 miles), it takes you through some iconic American landmarks, such as the Grand Canyon and Oklahoma City, which could add some extra time to your journey.

On the other hand, if you're not in a rush and wanna explore areas off the beaten path, then taking US-50 E and US-40 E through Utah, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, and Illinois before jumping on I-24 E to Nashville could be your route. This route covers around 2,338 miles and aims to bring you closer to nature and small town vibes.

Traffic Patterns

It's important to note that your driving time can vary depending on traffic. If you're traveling during peak hours, expect to add at least a few hours to your journey. That being said, traffic congestion can be avoided by driving at night time when fewer people are on the road.

Based on traffic patterns, driving from Bakersfield to Nashville on the fast route would take around 27 hours with moderate traffic. However, with heavy traffic, it could take you up to 32 hours. On the flip side, driving during low traffic times would take only about a few minutes or an hour less than average hours.

Conclusion

So if you're planning a road trip from Bakersfield to Nashville, you have several routes to choose from, each with its own benefits and drawbacks. Ultimately, it will depend on your preferences and what you want to see along the way. Regardless of which route you choose, make sure to plan ahead, pack your snacks, schedule breaks as there are many things to experience along the roads, and enjoy the ride!