Road Trip from California to North Carolina: How Long Does it Take?
If you're planning a cross-country road trip from California to North Carolina, one of the first things you need to consider is how long it will take you to get there. The travel time can vary greatly depending on the route you choose and the time of day you decide to hit the road. In this blog post, we'll break down the fastest and slowest routes, the distances you'll cover, and the driving times during peak and low traffic periods.
The Fastest and Slowest Routes
The fastest route from California to North Carolina is via I-40 E, which takes you through Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Tennessee, before landing you in North Carolina. This route covers a distance of roughly 2,540 miles and can take approximately 36 hours of continuous driving, without any breaks and in ideal conditions.
But if you're looking for a more scenic drive, you might want to consider taking a longer route that includes parts of the famous Route 66. This route will take you through iconic cities like Flagstaff, Albuquerque, Oklahoma City, and Nashville, before reaching North Carolina. The distance for this route is approximately 2,780 miles and can take up to four days to complete if you stop to explore each city along the way.
Driving Times Based on Traffic Patterns
Driving across the country can sometimes be unpredictable, especially when it comes to traffic. The time you'll spend on the road will largely depend on the traffic patterns in the different cities you'll pass through. Here are some estimates of the driving times you can expect when traveling from California to North Carolina.
I-40 E: During peak traffic, which typically falls between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m., and from 4 p.m. and 7 p.m., you can expect this route to take up to 3 days. Avoiding these peak hours will help you shave off a few hours from your driving time, and you can complete this route in about 2.5 days.
Route 66: Because there are so many different highways and interstates that make up this longer route, your driving time can be highly variable. But on average, this route can take up to 4 days to complete, especially if you want to explore each city along the way.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the amount of time it will take you to drive from California to North Carolina depends on factors like your route, traffic patterns, and how many breaks you take along the way. But if you're planning to hit the road, leave plenty of time for unexpected stops, and enjoy the journey. You're about to embark on a trip of a lifetime!