Road Trip Across America: How Long Does It Take To Drive From Anaheim to New York City?

Looking to hit the road and travel across America? One of the longest and most exciting journeys you can take is driving from the sunny shores of Anaheim, California to the bustling city of New York, New York. However, before you pack your bags and head out, it’s essential to know how long this adventure will take you.

The Fastest and Slowest Routes

There are a couple of different routes you can take when driving from Anaheim to New York City. The fastest and shortest route is driving directly east on I-40 through Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, and Maryland, before hitting New Jersey and New York. This route is approximately 2,790 miles long and takes around 41 hours. However, keep in mind that this is a calculated time frame for an uninterrupted drive without stops.

Alternatively, you could take a more scenic route, following I-15 north through Nevada, Utah, Idaho, and Wyoming before connecting to I-90 East in Montana, which runs through South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. This longer route offers plenty of outstanding natural sights, but it is approximately 3,070 miles long and takes around 47 hours in the car.

Traffic Patterns and Drive Times

The above route estimates are based on the assumption of driving straight-through without any delays. However, traffic patterns can significantly affect your travel time. Rush hour traffic could make a difference of up to eight hours in driving time on certain days. If you are looking to save time, then avoiding major cities’ rush hours is crucial.

At peak traffic times, the direct, fastest route can take upwards of 48 hours. On the other hand, driving non-stop on the scenic route could take 52 hours. However, suppose you are driving during off-peak hours where traffic is smooth. In that case, the fastest route can take as little as 36 hours, and the scenic route can take about 44 hours.

Which Route is the Best?

The choice between the direct and scenic route largely depends on your priorities. If you are looking to save time, then taking the shortest and fastest route is the way to go, while the scenic route offers a longer, more relaxing drive with fantastic natural sights along the way. It’s best to plan your trip in advance, keep traffic patterns in mind, and take breaks along the way to avoid driver fatigue.

In conclusion, driving from Anaheim to New York City will take some time, but with the right planning and mindset, it can be an unforgettable trip across America's diverse landscape. Take your time, enjoy the drive, and make some unforgettable memories along the way. Happy trails!