No need for a long flight: The time it takes to drive from Boston, MA to Long Beach, CA

If you're looking for an adventure, a long road trip can definitely give you that fix. Driving from Boston, Massachusetts to Long Beach, California gives you that opportunity, and while it's a long journey, it's a great opportunity to see the United States and all of its diverse landscapes. However, you want to make sure you have enough time set aside for the journey, so in this blog post, we'll cover different routes and the time it takes to complete them.

The fastest route

If you're tight on time, you could take the fastest route, which is approximately 2,940 miles by the I-90 West and I-80 West highways. It's roughly a 43-hour drive, but unfortunately, unless you're driving non-stop and following this route without any detours, you'll encounter traffic and delay times which can make this journey much longer. Plan for 2-3 days on the road, with a few rest stops along the way.

The slowest route

If you're looking for a more scenic route, the slowest option is driving along the iconic Route 66. This route comes in at approximately 3,100 miles from Boston to California, and if you're not in a rush, you could make a few stops in Missouri, Texas, Arizona, and New Mexico for sightseeing and dining. This will give you a chance to experience the heartland of America and make a deeper connection with the land. This route will take you about 5-6 days to complete.

The middle ground

If you want to strike a balance between the fastest and slowest routes, there are a few options with interstates and highways that will make the trip a bit smoother. You could take the I-80 West and I-70 West highways which take approximately 2,850 miles and would take about 40-42 hours of driving time. Another option is the I-90 West and I-40 West highways which are approximately 3,050 miles and would take about 44 hours of driving time.

Peak traffic time vs. low traffic times

If you're concerned about how much time it will take to get to your destination, peak traffic times can add hours onto your journey. So, we recommend considering the season and time of day you plan to depart. For instance, if you depart Boston in the early summer, there'll be less chance of snow blocking the road, but you should prepare for the risk of thunderstorms or tornadoes. Conversely, if you depart in spring or fall, the scenery is great, but there's a higher risk of encountering snow. Our advice, leave early morning or at night to avoid peak traffic.

The bottom line

Overall, the time it takes to drive from Boston to Long Beach can vary based on a few factors. If you're ready for the adventure of a lifetime, choose the scenic option, and make a few stops along the way. However, if you're in a rush, stick to the fastest option, get going, and avoid traffic jams. Regardless of what route you choose, it's important to remember the journey can be just as great as the destination. Safe travels!