Road Tripping: How Long Does it Take to Drive From Appleton, WI to Reno, NV?

Are you planning a road trip from Appleton, Wisconsin to Reno, Nevada? Whether you’re going solo or with family and friends, it’s important to know how long the trip will take. There are various routes you can take, and each has a different distance and driving time. In this post, we’ll cover the fastest and slowest routes, distance, time based on traffic patterns, and more.

The Fastest and Slowest Routes

The fastest route to Reno is via I-80 W, which covers approximately 1653 miles. If you take this route, you’ll cover states such as Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, Wyoming, and Utah before finally arriving in Nevada. The drive takes about 25 hours and 30 minutes without any stops. This is the recommended route if you want to arrive in Reno quickly and are comfortable with long spells of driving.

On the other hand, if you’re in no rush and would like to enjoy the journey, then you might prefer the scenic route, via I-90 W and US-93 S. This route covers approximately 1967 miles and passes through states such as Minnesota, South Dakota, Montana, Idaho, and Nevada. The drive takes about 31 hours and 30 minutes, so be prepared for long driving times. However, you’ll enjoy lovely views as you pass through some of America’s beautiful landscapes.

Distance and Time Based on Traffic Patterns

Another crucial aspect to consider when driving cross-country is traffic. During peak traffic hours, the drive can take much longer than during off-peak hours. For example, during rush hour, some sections of the highway may be congested and slow-moving. You might consider travelling during off-peak hours to avoid traffic congestion.

Here are the estimated times for the two routes depending on traffic:

• Via I-80 W
  • Peak Traffic: Approximately 28 hours
  • Low Traffic: Approximately 24 hours
• Via I-90 W and US-93 S
  • Peak Traffic: Approximately 34 hours
  • Low Traffic: Approximately 30.5 hours

Conclusion

Now that you know the different routes, their estimated times and distance based on traffic, it’s up to you to decide which route to take. If you’re in a hurry, take the I-80 W route. If you have the time and want to enjoy the scene, take the scenic route, especially during low traffic hours, as you’ll likely spend lots of time in the car. Whichever route you choose, make sure to pack all the essentials needed for a long road trip, such as snacks, enough water, and extra clothes. Have a safe trip!