Road Trip: How Long Does It Take To Drive From Arlington, Virginia to Los Angeles, California?

Are you planning a cross-country road trip from Virginia to California? If so, you're in for a thrilling adventure! However, before you hit the road, it's important to plan out your route and understand how long it'll take to get there. After all, a road trip is all about the journey, but you don't want to make the trip longer than necessary.

Here's everything you need to know about the time it takes to drive from Arlington, Virginia to Los Angeles, California.

Fastest and Slowest Routes

The quickest route from Arlington, Virginia, to Los Angeles, California, is via I-40 W, which is approximately 2,698 miles. This is the route that most GPS devices will recommend, and it should take you about 41 hours if you're driving straight through without any stops.

However, this isn't the only route available to you. Depending on your preferences, you might want to consider taking a more scenic route. For instance, if you want to see more of the Midwest, you could head west on I-64 and take the famous Route 66 from Oklahoma City to Los Angeles. This route is approximately 2,940 miles and should take approximately 44 hours.

Time Based on Traffic Patterns

The time it takes to drive from Arlington, Virginia to Los Angeles, California, will depend on the traffic patterns in the areas you'll be driving through. During peak traffic times, such as rush hour in major cities, it'll take you longer to get where you're going. Meanwhile, if you're driving during off-peak hours, you'll be able to travel faster and more efficiently.

For example, if you're driving through Texas, it's important to be mindful of the heavy traffic in the cities of El Paso, Austin, and Dallas. During rush hour, these cities can cause major traffic delays, hence extending your travel time significantly.

Peak Traffic Time Vs. Low Traffic Times

Travel and mapping apps like Google Maps and Waze are great tools to help you determine the best time to hit the road. They can provide you with up-to-date information on the road conditions, traffic flow, and estimate the travel time accurately.

During peak traffic times, it could take about 48 - 50 hours to reach your final destination, but during off-peak times, you could make it to California in less than 40 hours.

No matter which route you choose, the most important thing is to enjoy the journey. Make the most of your road trip by stopping at interesting sights along the way, and taking time to explore new places. Happy travels!