Driving Coast to Coast: The Time it Takes to Drive from (Old) Ottawa, Ontario to Los Angeles, California

Are you considering making the trip from (Old) Ottawa to Los Angeles by car? If so, buckle up and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime! Driving from the nation's capital to the West Coast is an exciting experience, but it does involve some careful planning when it comes to choosing the best route. In this post, we will take a closer look at the fastest and slowest driving routes, the distance of each route and how long it takes to drive it.

The Fastest Route

If you are looking for the shortest driving distance between (Old) Ottawa, Ontario, and Los Angeles, California, you will want to opt for the fastest route possible. This route will take you through the Northern USA and will total a driving distance of approximately 4,370 kilometers. According to Google Maps, this trip should take around 43 hours and 30 minutes in total driving time, assuming that you make no stops along the way.

The Slowest Route

If you have some extra time to spare and want to explore the country more, you could opt for the slowest route. This route will take you through the heart of the USA, along the famous Route 66, and total a driving distance of approximately 5,500 kilometers. This trip should take around 54 hours and 30 minutes in total driving time based on Google Maps, assuming no stops.

Traffic and the Time it Takes

While the driving time may seem pretty straightforward, it is essential to consider that traffic can significantly affect how long it takes to complete your trip. There are peak traffic times for specific routes, so it is crucial to factor in these delays if you are traveling at the wrong time of day. Generally, peak traffic times are during weekday mornings and afternoons in cities.

The above times provided by Google Maps do not consider traffic, and there will be much shorter or longer travel times depending on the time of day and time of year. In general, it is suggested to avoid traveling during rush hour when entering and leaving cities.

Conclusion

There are many different routes to choose from when driving from (Old) Ottawa, Ontario, to Los Angeles, California. Depending on how much time you have and how much you want to explore, the fastest or the slowest route could be right for you. However, it is crucial to consider peak traffic times when traveling through urban areas and to be prepared for unexpected delays. Remember, the journey is always part of the adventure, and you can make the most of your trip and the time it takes to get there!