How Long Does it Take to Drive From Bakersfield, California to San Angelo, Texas?

Driving from Bakersfield, California to San Angelo, Texas is a road trip that many people undertake. This drive is approximately 980 miles if you take the most direct route. But, as with any long drive, you might want to explore your options to find the best route and time of day to make the trip. Here's a rundown of some of the options when traveling between these two cities.

Route Options

There are a few different routes that you could take to get from Bakersfield to San Angelo. The most direct route would be to take I-40 East and I-20 East, which would take you through cities like Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and Abilene. However, there are other routes that you could explore, like taking I-10 East and then heading north on I-35 to San Angelo. With either route, you'll be on the road for around 14-16 hours depending on traffic and the time of day.

Fastest and Slowest Routes

The fastest route would be to take I-40 East and I-20 East, which comes in at around 14 hours and 45 minutes. The slowest route would be to take I-10 East and then head north on I-35, which would take about 15 hours and 45 minutes. This difference might not seem like much, but if you're on a tight schedule, taking the faster route could make a big difference.

Traffic Patterns

Traffic can play a big role in how long your trip takes. If you're traveling during peak hours, you'll likely encounter more traffic and delays. For instance, if you're traveling through cities like Los Angeles or Albuquerque during rush hour, your journey could take significantly longer. If you depart very early in the morning, on the other hand, you might be able to avoid much of the congestion.

Drive Times

Assuming you're planning on taking the fastest route, you should expect to spend around 14 hours and 45 minutes on the road. However, if you're curious about how traffic will factor into your journey, you can also calculate drive times for peak and low traffic times. During times of low traffic, expect to make your journey in around 14 hours and 15 minutes, while peak traffic times will lengthen that to approximately 15 hours and 45 minutes.

Overall, there are a few different routes that you can take to drive from Bakersfield, California to San Angelo, Texas. Some routes are faster than others, and traffic can play a significant role in how long your journey takes. By planning ahead and taking all factors into account, you'll be able to create a travel itinerary that will get you to your destination swiftly and safely.