The Ultimate Guide to Driving from Albuquerque, NM to Oakland, CA
If you're planning a road trip from Albuquerque, NM to Oakland, CA, you probably have a lot of questions. What's the fastest route? How long will it take? What about traffic? You need to know all of these answers so that you can plan your trip accordingly. Fortunately, we've got you covered. In this blog post, we'll give you all the details you need to know about driving from Albuquerque to Oakland.
The Fastest Route
By far, the fastest route from Albuquerque to Oakland is via I-40 West and I-5 North. This route takes you through some of the most scenic parts of Western US and is the quickest way to get from point A to point B. The total distance for this route is approximately 1,275 miles, and can be completed in around 19 hours.
However, keep in mind that the actual travel time may vary depending on traffic flow and road conditions. Peak times usually include rush hour on weekdays, which can be heavy traffic in major cities such as Los Angeles and San Francisco. During low-traffic times, however, you should be able to make it to Oakland a little faster.
The Slowest Route
One option to consider if you have more time and love taking the scenic route is to take I-40 West to Route 66 and then onto I-15N. This route adds quite a few miles from the fastest option and is approximately 1,559 miles in total. Because it is the slowest route, it can take around 25-27 hours to get to Oakland. This route, however, offers a lot more scenic views, small towns and roadside attractions.
Keep in mind, this route will take you through Las Vegas, NV which is known for its heavy traffic all day long. It is best to plan your meals and gas stops when you are not near a major city to avoid traffic and crowds.
Best Time to Travel
Traffic can have a major impact on your travel time, so it's very important to consider the time of day and day of the week when planning your trip - especially if you're traveling on a tight schedule. If you are going to be driving through California's major cities like Los Angeles or San Francisco, consider peak hours. Weekdays between 7-9 am and 3-7 pm is when traffic is usually the heaviest. If you are in no hurry and choose to go through scenic routes, plan accordingly. Stop at various small towns and roadside attractions during the day and continue on your journey when there’s less traffic.
In conclusion, no matter what route you choose, driving from Albuquerque, NM to Oakland, CA is a long journey. Plan appropriately with food, snacks and adequate amounts of gas. It's always better to have extra time than to feel rushed. Safe travels!