Road Trip Fever: From Bakersfield to Virginia Beach

Are you planning a road trip from Bakersfield, California, to Virginia Beach, Virginia? It’s a lengthy drive, but with some planning, it can turn into the road trip of a lifetime. From deserts to mountains, and from cities to small towns, you’ll experience the diversity of landscapes and cultures in our country. In this blog post, we’ll cover the fastest and slowest routes, their distance, and the time it takes to drive at peak and low traffic times.

Fastest vs. Scenic Route

The fastest route from Bakersfield to Virginia Beach covers 2,756 miles and takes about 41 hours in total at low traffic times. You’ll take I-40 East all the way, passing through Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and finally, Virginia. It’s a great route if you want to focus on getting to your destination quickly, but it’s not the most scenic option.

On the other hand, if you want to see some incredible landscapes, consider taking US-101 North to San Francisco, and then I-80 East to Salt Lake City. From there, you can take I-70 East, which will take you through Colorado and Kansas, and join I-64 East at St Louis. This route covers 3,035 miles and takes around 46 hours at low traffic times. However, it’ll offer you incredible views of the Golden Gate Bridge, the Rocky Mountains, and the Great Plains.

The Importance of Traffic Patterns

Of course, the time it takes to drive from Bakersfield to Virginia Beach depends on traffic patterns. If you drive during peak hours, your journey will take longer due to traffic jams and congestion. For instance, driving from Bakersfield to Virginia Beach on I-40 East during morning rush hour in Memphis, TN, can add up to 90 minutes to your trip.

On the other hand, driving at night or early in the morning can save you time and make your trip more comfortable. With less traffic on the roads, you can drive more smoothly and avoid the stress of stop-and-go situations.

Bottom Line

In conclusion, driving from Bakersfield to Virginia Beach is a long but fulfilling road trip that requires some planning. The fastest route covers 2,756 miles and takes about 41 hours at low traffic times, while the scenic route covers 3,035 miles and takes around 46 hours. Traffic patterns are an essential factor to consider, with peak hours slowing you down and early hours speeding you up. We hope this guide helps you plan your road trip and experience all the wonders our country has to offer. Happy travels!