Road Trip: How Long Does It Take to Drive from Baltimore to Stockton, CA?
Whether you're planning a cross-country road trip or relocating to the West Coast, driving from Baltimore, Maryland to Stockton, California is quite an adventure. But before you hit the road, you need to know the various routes, total distance, and the time it takes based on the traffic patterns. So, let's dive in and explore the fastest and slowest routes to drive from Baltimore to Stockton.
The Fastest Route
The fastest route to drive from Baltimore to Stockton is to take I-70 W from Baltimore to I-76 W, then continue on I-76 W to I-80 W and take exit 67 for CA-99 S toward Fresno. Continue on CA-99 S to Stockton. This route is approximately 2,887 miles and takes around 44 hours to cover, assuming you are driving on clear roads and maintaining a consistent speed. However, you should take into account some of the significant destination cities along the way, such as Columbus, OH; Chicago, IL; Omaha, NE; Denver, CO; Salt Lake City, UT; and Sacramento, CA also contribute to the time taken to drive from Baltimore to Stockton.
The Slowest Route
The slowest route to drive from Baltimore to Stockton is to take I-95 S from Baltimore and continue on I-95 S and I-85 S to Montgomery. Then take US-80 W and I-20 W to I-49 S in Shreveport, and continue on I-49 S and I-10 W to CA-99 N in Bakersfield before finally arriving at Stockton. This route covers 3,316 miles and takes around 51 hours to drive, assuming you have decent weather conditions and clear roads. But you will pass through the beautiful city of New Orleans, the heartland of our country, and across some of the most stunning scenery of Texas.
Traffic Patterns and Drive Times
The time it takes to drive from Baltimore to Stockton depends on several factors, including traffic patterns, weather, and the type of route you choose. Calculating the drive times for both the fastest and slowest routes at peak and low traffic times, we get the following results:
Fastest Route:
- Peak Traffic - 54-56 hours
- Low Traffic - 42-44 hours
Slowest Route:
- Peak Traffic - 71-73 hours
- Low Traffic - 49-51 hours
In Conclusion
Driving from Baltimore, Maryland to Stockton, California takes around two to three days, depending on the route you choose, traffic, and weather. While the fastest route is more direct, it's always good to select a longer route if you want to visit some of the exciting cities and towns along the way. Make sure to pack enough food and drinks, plan your stops at rest areas and hotels if necessary, and most importantly, enjoy the scenic views and adventures along the road!