Driving Time between Baltimore, Maryland and Bakersfield, California

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Drive from Charm City to the Golden State: How Long Does It Take to Drive from Baltimore, Maryland to Bakersfield, California?

Are you planning a cross-country road trip from Baltimore to Bakersfield? Whether you're moving, visiting friends and family, or seeking a new adventure, it's helpful to know how long the drive takes and what routes to take. In this post, we'll break down the typical travel times and distances for various routes between these two cities, as well as some factors that may affect your drive.

Fastest Routes

If speed is your top priority, taking the fastest highways is a no-brainer. The most direct route from Baltimore to Bakersfield is essentially a straight line across the country, using the major interstates. Here are your options and their estimated driving times:

  • I-70 W & I-15 S: This route covers approximately 2,650 miles and takes about 40 hours of driving time. It's the shortest and quickest option, at least in terms of distance. You'll pass through cities such as Columbus, St. Louis, Kansas City, Denver, and Las Vegas.
  • I-95 S, I-85 S, I-20 W, I-10 W, & CA-99 N: This route covers approximately 3,080 miles and takes about 47 hours of driving time. It's a bit longer and slower than the first option, but it may offer more scenic views and attractions. You'll pass through cities such as Richmond, Atlanta, New Orleans, Phoenix, and Fresno.

Slowest Routes

Perhaps you're in no rush and want to take your time to enjoy the journey. Or maybe you want to avoid highways and take more rural or coastal roads. Here are some longer and slower routes you could take:

  • US-50 W, US-89 S, US-395 S, & CA-14 S: This route covers approximately 3,330 miles and takes about 55 hours of driving time. It cuts through the heart of the country and some stunning national parks, such as Great Basin, Bryce Canyon, and Death Valley. You'll also pass through cities such as Cincinnati, Kansas City, Salt Lake City, and Reno.

  • US-1 S, US-17 S, I-95 S, I-20 W, I-10 W, & CA-99 N: This route covers approximately 3,480 miles and takes about 56 hours of driving time. It hugs the East Coast and some beautiful beaches, such as Myrtle Beach, the Florida Keys, and Santa Monica. You'll also pass through cities such as DC, Savannah, Houston, and Los Angeles.

Traffic Considerations

Of course, these travel times are only estimates based on ideal driving conditions. Your actual drive times can vary depending on a variety of factors, such as:

  • Time of day and day of the week: Rush hour and weekend traffic can significantly slow you down, especially in big cities.
  • Weather conditions: If you encounter rain, snow, or ice, you'll need to drive more cautiously and slowly.
  • Road work and accidents: You may encounter detours, lane closures, or delays due to construction or crashes.

Here are some rough estimates of how traffic can impact your drive time:

  • Peak traffic times (rush hour in major cities): Add an extra 1-2 hours per day to your overall drive, or 20-40% more time than the estimated numbers above.
  • Low traffic times (nighttime, early morning, weekends): Subtract about 1-2 hours per day from your overall drive, or 20-40% less time than the estimated numbers above.

Conclusion

As you can see, driving from Baltimore to Bakersfield can take anywhere from 40 to 56 hours, depending on your route and traffic conditions. Make sure to plan ahead, take breaks, and stay safe throughout your journey. No matter which route you choose, you'll likely encounter some amazing sights and experiences along the way. Happy driving!