Cruising Across the United States: Baltimore to Portland

Are you itching to explore the west coast from the comfort of your own vehicle? A road trip from Baltimore, Maryland to Portland, Oregon might just be the perfect adventure for you. From the bustling cities to the stunning natural landscapes, there are endless possibilities for you to discover. Let’s explore some of the best routes for this drive, including distance and estimated driving time.

Route 1: Northern Route

If you’re looking for a direct and fast drive, the northern route through the Great Plains and the Rocky Mountains is for you. This route will take you through cities like Chicago and Minneapolis, features the iconic Badlands National Park, and provides the opportunity for a pit-stop in Mount Rushmore. This route covers a distance of around 2,888 miles and typically takes about 40 hours of driving.

Along the way: Riverwalk in San Antonio, Theodore Roosevelt National Park, and Bearizona Wildlife Park.

Route 2: Southern Route

Prefer a more scenic drive over a quick one? The southern route through the south will take you through popular tourist states like Florida, Texas, and Arizona. Explore the unique culture in New Orleans, the wild west in San Antonio, and the breathtaking Grand Canyon in Arizona. This route covers a distance of approximately 3,234 miles and generally takes around 44 hours of driving.

Along the way: Bourbon Street in New Orleans, The Alamo in San Antonio, Saguaro National Park, and Grand Canyon helicopter tours.

Route 3: Midwestern Route

If you’re looking to avoid the mountains and experience some of the best Midwest scenery, the midwestern route through Route 66 is what you want. This quintessential American highway route offers you the chance to visit some iconic places like the Gateway Arch in St Louis and Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo. You can explore cities like Kansas City, Tulsa, and Oklahoma City. This route covers around 2,500 miles of road and often takes around 36 hours of driving.

Along the way: Gateway Arch in St Louis, Ozark National Scenic Riverways, Land Run Monument in Tulsa, and the historic Redstone Building in Amarillo.

Estimated Driving Time for Entire Trip

While the above-mentioned driving times for each route are estimated, the overall driving time will vary depending on traffic, stops, weather, and driving pace. Additionally, travelers may need to account for longer driving time if they take detours and explore further destinations before arriving in Portland.

However, if we only consider the driving time from Baltimore to Portland, and assume no detours or stops, it will be around 42 hours covering a distance of approximately 2,780 miles.

Along the way: Rustlers Roost Western Town & Horseback Riding in Phoenix, Crater Lake National Park, and the Historic Columbia River Highway.

Final Recommendations

No matter which route you choose and how long you’ll drive, rest assured that your journey from Baltimore to Portland will be an adventure of a lifetime. But do not forget to take breaks and explore the surroundings of major cities, national parks, culturally rich small towns, and historical landmarks along the way. Play your favorite tunes, try to visit local restaurants and relax for a journey that will create lifelong memories. Happy trails!