Road Trip: Driving from Boston to Pasadena

Are you planning a cross-country road trip from Boston, Massachusetts to Pasadena, California? The drive might be long, but the breathtaking scenic views along the way make it worthwhile. The distance between the two cities is around 2,700 miles. How much time will it take you to drive the distance? Let’s take a closer look at the different routes and driving times.

Fastest and Slowest Routes

There are a few different routes you can take to drive from Boston to Pasadena. The fastest route is through the I-80 W. This route will take you through Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois before you reach Iowa. Once you cross Iowa, you will drive through Nebraska, Wyoming, Utah, and Nevada before finally reaching California. The total distance is around 2,900 miles, and the driving time will take you roughly 43 hours.

The slowest but most scenic route is through the I-90 W. This route will take you through New York, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, South Dakota, Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, and finally into California. The total distance on this route is around 3,100 miles. The driving time will take you about 47 hours.

Time Based on Traffic Patterns

The driving time will depend on traffic conditions. If you hit heavy traffic, it could add a few hours, even a few days, to your trip. On average, it’s safe to assume that you’ll drive around 60-70 miles per hour on the highway, including stops for gas, food, and rest.

Based on traffic patterns, you can expect to spend an additional hour in traffic in certain states. For example, you might hit traffic in New York City, Chicago, or Los Angeles. It’s also safe to assume that you might get stuck in traffic going through the Rocky Mountains in Colorado or through the national parks in Utah.

Peak and Low Traffic Times

If you’re looking to avoid traffic, the best times to drive are during non-peak hours. Avoid driving during rush hour in major cities and try to plan your trip so that you’re driving through congested areas in the middle of the night or early in the morning. On average, non-peak traffic times are from 11 pm to 5 am.

Peak traffic times will add more time to your trip. For example, if you’re driving through the major cities of Chicago or Los Angeles during rush hour, you can expect to add an additional 2-3 hours to your driving time.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are different routes you can take to drive from Boston to Pasadena, with varying distances and driving times. Whether you’re taking the scenic route or the fastest route, it’s important to keep in mind peak traffic times and to allow for unexpected stops and delays due to traffic or weather. As long as you plan ahead, stock up on snacks and drinks, and are prepared for surprises, your road trip should be a fun and unforgettable experience.