Road Trip Alert: Time It Takes To Drive From Athens, Ohio to Costa Mesa, California

Are you daydreaming about cruising down the over 2,200 miles that separate Athens, Ohio, and Costa Mesa, California? The legendary Route 66 runs close to Costa Mesa, so you're in for quite a ride! However, before you hit the road, there are a few things you need to know about how long this cross-country drive will take you.

The Fastest Route: I-80 W

By far, the fastest way to drive from Athens, Ohio to Costa Mesa, California, is via the I-80 W. Covering a distance of 2,337 miles, this route takes approximately 34 hours under normal traffic conditions. That said, you need to factor in some extra time for rest stops, meals, and refueling. To minimize the driving time, we recommend avoiding congested urban areas like Chicago, IL, and Los Angeles, CA, by using bypasses.

However, driving on the I-80 W during peak traffic times can add a couple of extra hours to your journey time. During the holiday season and summer months, traffic tends to be heavy before and after major cities. Therefore, you may want to consider taking an alternative route during those times.

The Scenic Route: I-70 W and I-15 S

For those looking for a beautiful and scenic route, the I-70 W and I-15 S are perfect options. While this route takes longer, it offers some of the most breathtaking views of the American West. The I-70 W route covers 1,064 miles, and the I-15 S route covers 848 miles, giving you a total distance of around 2,000 miles. With regular rest stops and gas refills along the way, this route takes approximately 42 hours. However, it's worth noting that driving through mountainous terrains may require some driving skills.

Driving the I-70 W and I-15 S routes during peak traffic times can add an additional 1-2 hours to your journey. Therefore, we recommend driving during less congested periods for maximum enjoyment.

The Slowest and Most Scenic Route: Route 50 and Route 66

For the ultimate road trip adventure, take the slowest and most scenic route through Route 50 and Route 66. This route allows you to see some of the most remote and beautiful parts of the United States. However, it's only recommended if you have enough time to spare, as it takes about 2-3 weeks to complete.

The I-50 E route covers 2,680 miles, and the Route 66 route covers 2,448 miles. These routes give you a total distance of approximately 5,000 miles. Since this is a scenic route, you can expect more time on the road, with stops in various small towns and attractions. You'd require a lot of rest, food, and bathroom breaks, making this route long, memorable and arduous. It's all worth it to truly experience the expanse and diversity that America has to offer.

In conclusion, no matter the route you choose to follow, you'll find that driving from Athens, Ohio to Costa Mesa, California is an exciting adventure. Be sure to consider the traffic patterns and plan your journey accordingly so that you can enjoy the drive and all the roadside spectacles.