Blog Post: How Long Will It Take to Drive from Bakersfield, California to Toledo, Ohio?

If you are planning a road trip across the country, you might be wondering how long it would take to drive from Bakersfield, California to Toledo, Ohio. Well, the answer depends on a few factors, including the route you choose, the time of day you hit the road, and the amount of traffic you encounter along the way. In this blog post, we'll explore the different options for driving from Bakersfield to Toledo and provide you with estimated driving times.

Fastest and Slowest Routes

The fastest and most direct route from Bakersfield to Toledo is to take I-40 E and I-44 E through Oklahoma City, St. Louis, and Springfield. This route covers a distance of approximately 2,300 miles and typically takes about 33 hours of driving time. However, keep in mind that this is the fastest route, only in terms of mileage, while there may be substantial traffic along the way depending on the season, weather, or any other unpredictable events.

On the other hand, the slowest and longest route would be to travel along I-5 N, then I-90 E, and I-80 E through Seattle, Minneapolis, and Chicago. This route covers a distance of roughly 2,800 miles and typically takes around 40 hours of driving time. However, if you have the time to extend your road trip and explore the different cities and attractions across the way, then taking the longer route might be worth it for you.

Time It Takes Based on Traffic Patterns

To get a better sense of how long the drive could take on your chosen route, you should consider the peak traffic times and plan accordingly. In general, the best times to leave Bakersfield would be either early in the morning (before rush hour) or late evening. Similarly, in Chicago and St. Louis, it's best to avoid peak traffic times (7-9 a.m. and 5-7 p.m.).

Assuming you're traveling the fastest route from Bakersfield that we highlighted earlier, then during peak times, you can expect to cover the distance in roughly 36-38 hours. However, if you plan your route carefully and avoid big traffic cities during peak hours, you can cut down that time to about 32-33 hours of driving time.

Conclusion

Driving across the country from Bakersfield, California to Toledo, Ohio, will take a little over a day, and there are different routes and options available. If you want to get to your final destination as quickly as possible, then taking the shortest route is your best bet. But if you're willing to add a few extra days to your journey and explore some of the country's most interesting cities, then taking the longer route could create unforgettable memories. Whatever you decide, be sure to plan carefully and factor in traffic patterns and seasonality, so you can make the most of your time on the road. Happy driving!