The Ultimate Road Trip: Boston to Seattle
If you're looking for an adventure, there's no better way to explore the vast expanse of the United States than by hitting the open road. And what better way to start than by taking a cross-country drive from Boston, Massachusetts to Seattle, Washington? Here's everything you need to know about the travel time and routes available to make your journey memorable.
The Eastern Route
The first route starts in Boston and heads west to Seattle, passing through some of the most iconic cities and landmarks along the East coast. You can take the I-90 W and travel across Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, South Dakota, Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho before finally making it to the Pacific Northwest.
This route is approximately 3,200 miles long and can take you anywhere between 47 to 50 hours of driving. We recommend making stops in cities like Chicago, Yellowstone National Park, and Minneapolis to break up the long drive, get some rest, and see the sights.
The Southern Route
If you're looking for a warmer journey, the southern route is an excellent option. This route takes you through states with beautiful scenery, ranging from stunning desert landscapes to scenic mountain ranges. Starting in Boston, head down south through Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, California, and finally to Washington.
The southern route is approximately 3,400 miles long and can take you anywhere between 49 to 52 hours to complete at average driving times. We suggest stopping in places like Nashville, the Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, and Yosemite National Park to break up the drive and take in the natural wonders along the way.
The Northern Route
Lastly, the Northern route is a popular option for those who want to see stunning coastal scenery and national parks along the way. Starting from Boston, drive through Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota, Montana, and finally to Seattle.
This route is approximately 3,200 miles long and will take you about 47 to 50 hours to complete at average speeds. We recommend stopping in cities like Mackinac Island, Detroit, the Badlands National Park, Glacier National Park, and the North Cascades National Park for a mix of culture and natural beauty.
The Drive
When it comes to driving times, you can expect to spend about a week on the road to reach Seattle from Boston, regardless of which route you choose to take. The actual time spent driving depends on your speed, traffic, and whether you want to make pit stops to explore cities, national parks, and other natural wonders along the way.
If you plan to drive without stopping, the journey will take you roughly 48 to 52 hours to complete, depending on the route.
Stops Along the Way
No matter what route you choose, there are plenty of incredible places to stop and explore along the way. Some highlights include:
- The Grand Canyon
- Yellowstone National Park
- Glacier National Park
- Las Vegas
- Chicago
- New York City
- Mackinac Island
- The Badlands National Park
- The North Cascades National Park
Conclusion
In conclusion, a cross-country road trip from Boston to Seattle is an excellent way to see the United States. Despite the time commitment, this adventure will provide you with unforgettable memories, stunning landscapes, and the freedom to explore at your own pace. Whether you take the northern, southern, or eastern route, this trip will undoubtedly be an experience of a lifetime.