The Ultimate Guide To Driving From California To Tennessee

Are you planning a road trip from California to Tennessee? This cross-country journey is an adventure that offers diverse landscapes and attractions along the way. But before you set out, you probably want to know how long it will take you to drive from one coast to another. In this post, we’ll break down the fastest and slowest routes, the distance, and estimated driving times based on traffic patterns.

Route options to consider

The distance from California to Tennessee is approximately 2,200 miles. It's a long trip, so driving time will depend on the route you take and how many stops you make along the way. Here are three popular routes to help you brainstorm and plan.

Route #1: The Southern Route

Taking the I-10 East to the I-20 East then the I-59 North, the southern route stretches across New Mexico, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama. This is the longest route at over 2,400 miles, but it can be the fastest if you avoid major cities like Houston and New Orleans.

Distance: 2,400 miles
Driving Time (highways): 35-38 hrs
Driving Time (through cities): 38-45 hrs

Route #2: The Midwestern Route

Taking the I-70 East through Utah, Colorado, and Kansas, this route then connects to I-44 East through Missouri and Oklahoma. This route is slightly shorter than the southern route but does have long stretches of driving through the Midwest.

Distance: 2,100 miles
Driving Time (highways): 33-35 hrs
Driving Time (through cities): 35-40 hrs

Route #3: The Northern Route

Taking the I-80 East through Nevada, Utah, Wyoming, Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, and Indiana. This route then drops down to the I-65 South and takes you through Kentucky and ends in Tennessee. This is the shortest route at 2,065 miles, but also the longest in driving time.

Distance: 2,065 miles
Driving Time (highways): 35-40 hrs
Driving Time (through cities): 40-45 hrs

Traffic Patterns

Traffic can add a significant amount of time to your journey. There are several peak traffic times to keep in mind when planning your drive.

Peak Traffic Times

Rush Hour M-F morning: 6 a.m.- 10 a.m.
Rush Hour M-F evening: 4 p.m. -7 p.m.
Weekends: Friday 4 p.m.-8 p.m. and Sunday afternoons

Low Traffic Times

Overnight hours: Midnight - 5 a.m.
Holidays, especially Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day

Remember to account for stops for gas, food, and breaks during driving time. On average, plan to stop every two hours or when feeling fatigued to rest and stretch.

Tips for a Successful Road Trip

Before setting off on this long journey, here are some tips to make the trip more enjoyable:

Check your vehicle ahead of time: inspect and change the oil if needed and make sure tires are in good condition.
Use a GPS system or phone apps to help navigate the route.
Take turns driving with your passengers to avoid fatigue.
Pack plenty of snacks, water, and hand sanitizer for the trip.
Bring a cooler to keep drinks and perishable foods cold, minimizing the need to stop along the way.

Now that you have an idea of what to expect from the distance, route options, and traffic patterns, you’re ready to take this cross-country road trip from California to Tennessee. Just remember to stay safe, take your time, and have fun!