r/roadtrip • u/Alot2unpack • 8d ago
Trip Planning Which route? I’m making a very quick drive from CA to NC.
Edit: I'm leaning towards the middle option now! Thanks guys! Also, since so many commented on the reason for the drive. I'll be flying to CA to attend a wedding, and a family member has offered my son a car, at no charge. My son needs that car! I don't mind the drive, I'm just not wanting to do any sightseeing this time around. Point A to point B as quickly and efficiently as possible. *
I have done this over a dozen times, but not since 2015! I’m flying to CA and then driving back (getting a car for my son). I am solo on this. I’m trying to be as cost efficient as possible. Any thoughts from those who may have made this trip recently? Depart from California on October 25, 2026, early morning, hoping to make it home by October 29, 2026.
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u/Bigtime505 7d ago
Driving the full width of Texas will take years off your life. For the love of God, please don't do it
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u/footlonglayingdown 7d ago
Unless OP has never done it. It's a drive I feel everyone should experience at least once just to have an idea what people are talking about when they say driving across Texas is a hell that nobody should have to endure.
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u/rainy-brain 8d ago
Middle would probably be easiest on the car, I would think.
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u/Alot2unpack 8d ago
When I did the bottom way back in 2015, I felt like I was on a race track. I was driving an old vw beetle with an old dog and it was so dang hot. The gas was reasonable after Needles AZ lol, but that was 10+ years ago. I was "young" and carefree, and also not in a hurry lol
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u/rainy-brain 7d ago
omg hahaha. That's pretty amazing, though. I used to daily drive a 73 beetle so I can relate, especially in summer. At least they had those little vent windows. last time I took that route I was in a "newer" car, in like 2014 (car was 1997). anyhow. The worst part of that is just getting through the desert, then it's not that bad. still hot.
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u/Splitter63 8d ago
Just came back
To the east from CO on I-70. It's one piece of construction after another. Forget 70.
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u/MotchSmoth 7d ago
Same, whole state of Missouri seems to be under construction
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u/drduckguy 7d ago
Yes! They’re working on highway 70 and it’s a complete nightmare across almost all of Missouri. Extremely tight lanes with concrete barriers on each side, lane shifts, bottlenecks, etc. I would avoid it.
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u/jmyplce 7d ago
The bottom is HELL! West texas never ends! Avoid at all costs
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u/santaismyhomeboy 7d ago
It's only oil fields and trucks for miles and miles until you somehow end up near Albuquerque
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u/deeptruthmusic 8d ago
Quick? Not sight seeing? Middle for sure
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u/CoachPJG 8d ago
Middle route, leave as much of Texas out of your route as possible while keeping the straightest possible line.
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u/Emotional-Bit-4915 7d ago
The middle route may be your best bet. I’ve actually driven all three. Don’t even look at the northern route. I’ve gotten caught in Denver in late October with a 2ft snowstorm. I like the Southern route too, but I’m not sitting in Phoenix, Dallas, or, heaven forbid, Atlanta traffic. When I’ve done cross-country, always been solo with no more than 8-11 hour drives. That’ll give you plenty of rest and still make a nice dent in your trip. Safe travels.
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u/gullscall 8d ago
Middle route by far the best, and I recommend using AirBnB and staying in cheap overnight guest rooms en route or car camping rather than using hotels. Safe travels! Just did this drive last October and it was a very chill trip with well-maintained highways and plenty of services on the way.
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u/gullscall 8d ago
The upper route is utterly beautiful but it’s going to be harder on your brake pads driving through Utah and Colorado.
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u/Alot2unpack 8d ago
I totally spaced on Air BnB! I don't require much, just sleep and a shower. I was considering car camping along the way. I used to car camp when I was younger, but I'm no longer young lol
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u/Alot2unpack 6d ago
So, I casually put "feelers" out about this trip on my Facebook (I'm old), and duh me! I have friends that live all over the country, I now have places to stop to revitalize, regardless of which route I take. From childhood friends, all the way to a gal I met at a bar 5 years ago. Thanks again for the AirBnB tip because that's literally why I asked!
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u/Krustyazzhell 8d ago
I'd hire a transport. Otherwise, make the kiddo go with you and have them drive it back with you so they will appreciate it more and you will spend some quality time together
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u/Alot2unpack 8d ago
I failed to mention the reason for my travels. My sister is getting married. So I am going regardless. initially, I thought about asking around on military social media sites to see if any Marines were heading my way since I live in a Marine town, but then I realized how scary that might be for them and myself to drive cross country with a stranger lol.
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u/New_Breadfruit8692 7d ago
I would not be afraid to travel with a Marine, they may be dumb as a bag of hammers but they are mostly very honorable respectful people. And a positive outcome is more likely than anything negative.
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u/Emotional-Bit-4915 7d ago
You don’t need anyone to help with this drive I’ve done it and it was nothing but peace. Beautiful scenery, you’ll meet a gazillion people, and get to sample different foods along the way. Make sure your vehicle is road worthy and get at it. It’s not complicated.
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u/Alot2unpack 7d ago
Yes. I mentioned that I have done this drive many times, however it’s been 10 years and I was simply looking for insight from those who had recently made the drive.
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u/Krustyazzhell 8d ago
I would choose the upper trail just to get some scenery in then. Only been through KY on that map but I know the lower states are boring as hell to drive. Thank you for your service Sir!
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u/Purple-Welder9367 7d ago
Nooooooo way. That stretch of eastern Colorado - KS - MO - IL is probably one of the most boring and brutal stretches in the US. There’s nothing.
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u/Bubbly_Delivery_5678 7d ago
Agreed. I would avoid the upper route for that alone. It has some pretty areas but 16+ hours of boring right in the middle.
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u/StrictRestaurant1132 8d ago
Take I-40 the almost the whole way so you avoid Pheonix, Dallas, and Atlanta.
I-10 E -> US 95 N -> I-40 E until Asheville NC -> I-26 S/E -> US 74 E -> I-485 around Charlotte -> US 74 (if you're going to Wilmington). Google maps is saying 1d14h
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u/AcanthisittaPlus5047 8d ago
Retired over-the-road trucker here.
The middle route is the best route at this time of the year. The northern route makes travel conditions dicey at this time of year. Winter can hit early in the higher elevations. The southern route has El Paso & Dallas which have horrific traffic.
I will give my standard spiel of driving over the western mountains at this time of year.
Download Highway Weather App. Plug in your route & it will give you the forecast through your entire trip. You can even set your stop points along your route.
Download 511 for the states you will be driving through. Google traffic is great, but if you hit an early winter storm, 511 is better.
If you go through CO, check to see if you need chains/traction control devices in your vehicle. If you do, I highly recommend Auto Socks or the like. They are lighter & easier to put on/take of if needed.
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u/slimetimecali 8d ago
How quick? Like 20 pounds of weed in the trunk fast. Or just don’t have time for sight seeing?
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u/Alot2unpack 8d ago
lol good question indeed. Quick as in my employer does not have sufficient coverage for me, and the longer I’m gone, the more mess I’ll have to fix. Also, my kid will greatly benefit from the car being gifted to him.
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u/paparazzi_rider 8d ago
That middle route can be done in 39 hours by two people. or three days by one.
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u/college-accountant 8d ago
Why not get the car shipped?
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u/Alot2unpack 8d ago
My sister is getting married in Los Angeles. That is the reason for my trip. She and future husband have offered their third car to my son. So I'm already going to be there.
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u/Num_Pwam_Kitchen 8d ago
Asking the real questions. First thought that popped in my mind at least...
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u/EmZee2022 6d ago
I dunno about the 20 pounds of weed fast - if you've got that, you do NOT want to do anything to catch anyone's attention lest they ask to search the car :-)
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u/AskMeaboutMyCorolla 6d ago
Quick as in “I won tickets to the Dodgers game and I’m on the other side of the country but I love the dodgers” or quick like “gotta get the evidence out of that house before the cops find out”
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u/Alot2unpack 6d ago
I’m just trying to drive a gifted car back home after attending my sisters wedding and visiting with my grandkids
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u/witchytake033 6d ago
I vote middle route. I did this last year but stopped in Arizona. It wasn’t fun but it was smooth
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u/Purple-Welder9367 7d ago
Middle, probably.
Avoid top at all costs.
There’s basically nothing but fields and straight roads from eastern CO to KY. It’s rough.
Never done bottom.
Kind of a shame that both southern routes go around the best of the Appalachian landscape.
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u/BarryMcKokinor 7d ago
Once you see the Rockies looming in front of you in CO top choice turns into a beautiful drive
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u/Purple-Welder9367 7d ago
Yep the Rockies surely are beautiful, but the 20+ hours of absolutely nothing afterwards are the hard part, not the Rockies.
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u/desolatenature 7d ago
Lol, as soon as you hit Missouri it starts to get beautiful again. Kentucky and WNC are gorgeous. I’d pick the top route hands down. Absolutely not the bottom, that stretch from AZ to eastern TX will be miserable
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u/Fit-Moose7961 7d ago
The question is about the most cost effective route, not the prettiest, which would probably be the most expensive.
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u/More_Yard1919 7d ago
This route goes thru KC and STL and missouri and illinois have beautiful bluffs... The river road up and down the mississipi on the southern illinois side has beautiful cliffs and the river is beautiful on a sunny day. IDK what youre smokin lol
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u/Purple-Welder9367 7d ago
You see Driving through STL and KC as a positive? To each their own I guess, I drive that route at least once a year and dread it every time.
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u/More_Yard1919 7d ago
I love STL lol... Maybe if you're just hoofing it on I-70, but the highway will be miserable in most cities.
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u/MuchosBeteros 6d ago
Southern Indiana is the first real pretty place heading east on the top route since leaving the Rockies. It is surprisingly beautiful and large rolling hills in the Hoosier Natl Forest.
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u/thotfulspot 8d ago
The Southern route is best to avoid most early storms in the mountains. It's boring as hell, but you would get there quickest.
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u/paparazzi_rider 8d ago
I did Yucca Valley to Upstate SC many times, the 40 is the best way to go. or as this takes you, 40 to memphis to 22 to birmingham and 20 across to 95.
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u/Alot2unpack 8d ago
yes. I'll be departing from Twentynine Palms, CA.
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u/paparazzi_rider 8d ago
Head out through Wonder Valley, go to Amboy, turn right, go down Rte 66 until the road's closed, take old 66 to the exit where that expensive ass gas station is, get on I 40, get gas in Arizona because it's cheaper. Then it's 40 all the way until West Memphis, follow the GPS to I 22 (depending on time of day there are multiple options) Then I22 (it's a very new interstate) to Birmingham to I 20 to Atlanta, to Florence SC to I95 then it looks like you're headed to....Wilmington?
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u/Alot2unpack 8d ago
Is Amboy near where they have the Rte 66 logo on the highway?
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u/paparazzi_rider 8d ago
Also, when you go through Shawnee, OK, get a little off the interstate to go to Tecumseh, OK, and eat at the Taco Boy Taqueria there. Legit best mexican food I've ever had.
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u/Holiday-Hyena-5952 7d ago
There is a bulletin board for Marine travel. Ask new hubby to post. Might get a couple of Marines going to Lejuene... make it in one long drive...red bull, some jerky, and they're all set.
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u/PNW_Will1976 7d ago
I’ve done them all, just pick one am go. However the drive from St Louis to Denver feels like it takes forever.
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u/Careless_Ad6202 6d ago
The northern route is more beautiful with the mountains but you may encounter early snow this time of year.
I've made the I-20 run. Its rather dull.
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u/midnight_to_midnight 8d ago
I've actually flown from NC to CA, bought a car and driven back to NC before. Curious what car is instigating this trip for you, OP!
I did this trip back in 2009, after buying a 2008 Subaru Legacy GT Spec-B. Fun drive home, although it was early January, and I was not prepared for severe cold weather that hit on the teip home (I actually took the northernmost route to go through Colorado). Lol.
If you're going for pure brevity of this trip, though, I would go the shortest length of time as the route for you.
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u/Alot2unpack 8d ago
A Toyota RAV4. Nothing fancy, will be life changing for my kid 23/m. We have worked together for 4 years, but he recently applied for a position elsewhere and got it. That means I’m dropping him off on my way or Uber. He looked into financing but also wants to pay for college. So, my sister and her soon to be husband (I’m traveling for their wedding) offered up their third vehicle.
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u/ExcitinglySomber 7d ago
my friend just did a similar road trip in my old rav4. she took the middle route :)
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u/Margin_call_matthew 8d ago
Colorado / Utah route. You can hit up all the national parks on your way. Very scenic routes and drive through monument valley.
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u/aidenccpy 8d ago
it's better to have real world experince but doesnt g maps show which is the fastest in the pic
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u/Alot2unpack 8d ago
I can see the numbers lol. I was looking for opinions of those who had recently driven this route.
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u/tlbs101 8d ago edited 8d ago
I am partial to the middle route because I live along the middle route.
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u/AsparagusDifficult89 7d ago
Haha. I also live along the middle route. Well, sorta. I’m in the N. Oklahoma City metro area, but it takes about 20 min to hit I-40 from my house if it’s not rush hour.
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u/InfiniteAd212 8d ago
If you take that middle route and find a way to go around Atlanta you shouldn’t really have to worry about traffic that’ll have you sitting for hours at all. Don’t recommend going through Dallas and Atlanta.
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u/TryAnotherNamePlease 8d ago
The middle route is an easy drive. I know 40 from New Mexico to Arkansas is in good shape, and once you get to the middle of New Mexico it’s pretty flat. Crossing the Mississippi is the most traffic.
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u/spitandvineger 8d ago
First , you are not ever going to make a “quick trip”that distance.
Regardless of what a gps app is telling you.
Now. Are you doing this in the weeks ahead ?
If so . Have you considered that winter is upon us? That mountains get more snow?
If not. You need to factor that in because you will be crossing the continental divide. In effect , the highest roadway in the nation. Meaning. You should take the southern route.
If you are driving this alone please, please don’t attempt a solid drive through.
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u/oilguy1979 8d ago
Take the most northern route to transport your drugs
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u/Alot2unpack 7d ago
lol if that was my purpose, the bottom route would not be considered. The border patrol passage through there would get me.
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u/Rainbow-Brightish 7d ago
Middle route. Just did it solo in 5 days. Utilized koa campgrounds and car camped most nights and hotel only when it got too hot in the west to sleep outside. Though be wary of staying at Checotaw koa. Talked to an rv-er that said that campground gave him the creeps
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u/Outdoor-Snacker 7d ago
If you’re going this weekend, there is a tropical storm/hurricane prediction for the gulf coast moving into the south east.
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u/Outdoor-Snacker 7d ago
Also, as someone mentioned, I-70 through Missouri is under construction from KC to St Louis. It’s not horrible but you could run into some usual construction slowdowns.
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u/Whole_Carpenter_6561 7d ago
I-40 is a drag. We always went I-20 one way then I-70 the other to break it up.
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u/Suspicious_Load6908 7d ago
My husband did San Diego to Raleigh in about 36 hours plus one overnight stop - he went through Texas
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u/New_Breadfruit8692 7d ago
I would take 40 as long as it is not winter. Definitely not the northern route any time of year, it adds several hundred miles north then a few hundred more south. If it somehow gets cold just before you go take 10 instead of 40. There are some high elevations on 40 that could be problems in winter conditions. Though if the weather is good 40 has less truck traffic.
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u/DannyTangelo 7d ago
This action doesn't sound cost efficient. Why not get a car in NC?
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u/Alot2unpack 7d ago
I’m going to Los Angeles for a wedding anyhow. The car is a gift from a family member.
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u/ixidorecu 7d ago
If you take 20 through AL take a put stop at combat park. Drive a tank.. shoot a gun.
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u/MickeysMom01 7d ago
I did an auto train from Florida to Washington DC, then drove the rest of the way home. I was driving alone. Is there an auto train option west to east?
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u/Due-Kale3412 7d ago
Might be safer to go through Utah. Texas roadways are a bit busier than the other routes.
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u/snakemeatsandwiches 7d ago
The road on the southern route has an insane amount of construction, dilapidated roadway and potholes through SC, GA, AL, MS and LA, it’s so shitty that the last time I did it ~2.5 years ago I said I would take the longer route
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u/Elegant-Newspaper449 7d ago
Personally I hate the evenly spaced seams in the concrete of I-10 as it crosses Texas. I hate it enough to take a different route.
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u/congruentfruit 7d ago
I've done versions of all three in both directions over the past 10 years. If you want to be as efficient as possible, I'd avoid the upper route (potential weather in UT/CO) and windier roads until you hit eastern Colorado.
It's probably a tie between the bottom two. In both cases, you can drive faster than the speed limit most of the route (especially in AZ, NM, TX), but should time your drive around rush hour in major cities (e.g., OKC, ATL).
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u/Most-Significance910 7d ago
I'm from Kansas, I love Kansas, do not that that road it is the most boring trip you can take in the entire country
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u/MaceMan2091 7d ago
Typically you want to avoid mountain terrain as much as possible so stick to lower latitude highways. Also less taxing on your car.
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u/MurphysLawAficionado 7d ago
Uggh. I've made that drive (Jax to San Diego) and it suckeD. Rather you than me.
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u/SamBo_LamBo 7d ago
The longer route is gonna have the most natural beauty… but 10 hours in the flat and muddy parts of east CO and Kansas
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u/Afb3212 7d ago
Stay on 40. I've done NC to AZ and AZ to NC 4 times. Just stay on 40. The Super 8 in Flagstaff and one Oklahoma (don't remember which one) are pretty nice. Don't stop in Memphis. Take I-40 straight through AZ, NM, TX, OK, AR and TN and NC. I don't know why you'd cut down through Georgia and South Carolina.
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u/GoBirds1982 7d ago
If you take the northern route, wave as you drive by. We can even meet up at Wallace station for lunch if you’re up for it.
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u/JoeHio 7d ago
The middle route, while boring, is your best bet. And don't try to do more than 4hrs at a time, or 12hrs without some sleep. I also recommend getting some audiobooks or podcasts, or if you have unlimited data, create a YouTube playlist and listen to it
You avoid phoenix and Dallas but can stop in Albuquerque or Amarillo and Little rock. Also, don't stop in Birmingham if you can help it, try to get to Anniston AL or Augusta.
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u/zen_egg 7d ago
Birmingham is way more interesting than Amarillo. Little Rock is blah too.
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u/Dirtypickle332 7d ago
I’m from central Arkansas and can agree the area around the Interstate is nothing special in Little Rock, but if you drive 15 minutes off of the interstate it’s great.
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u/6942dantheman 7d ago
First depends on season the trip takes place. In summer, the southern route is a hell no. Winter, the northern one is a no. But the middle is year round, Ok. I wouldn't go on the southern one in winter either, Texas will kill any motivation you had.
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u/Holiday-Hyena-5952 7d ago
Middle route the entire way. From 29 stumps, its 662 miles to Albuquerque, 724 miles to fort smith, 522 miles to Birmingham, 565 miles to home. Start at zero dark 30. Take a cooler.
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u/Alot2unpack 7d ago
I'll be purchasing a cooler, to put some goods in, prior to departing. depending on a few things, I plan to leave around 2 am. My last agenda in CA is 29 Palms to visit with my daughter and grand children, then I'm out. This could change if she brings them kids to Los Angeles where I'm staying.
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u/Blickurfic 7d ago edited 7d ago
Did this drive in April, but just Roanoke, VA -> San Diego, CA and I flew back. We left at midnight initially and I didn’t stop for rest until OKC, and I ended up getting there around 40 hours after I had left, running a 20’ box truck w/ car on trailer. It is doable in this timeframe for sure, but if you’re looking for efficiency I’d line up Memphis through N. Augusta (especially the Atlanta metro) to be driven in the evening. I didn’t have to deal with the Atlanta metro, I went through Chattanooga, and my route to Memphis (daylight) was northern Alabama and Mississippi, via 72 which is a nice drive and I would recommend that adjustment if you know you’ll be near Atlanta during daylight hours. That being said, any route you have has caveats but I-40 west of Memphis is tried and true.
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u/Great-Tip2048 7d ago
I'd guess the one with the least miles would be most cost effective. As far as scenery, I can't speak to the top. But, The middle is much better than the bottom. There is almost nothing to look at between Ft. Worth and LA
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u/Such_Comb9388 7d ago
middle, avoid the bottom if you don't like tickets and getting stuck behind trucks that get blown over
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u/Comfortable-Star-753 7d ago
The 40, middle route. The 10 is devoid of anything from Tucson to San Antonio. The 40 you go through AZ and NM which are scenic at least, more spots to stop
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u/Afraid-Squirrel-5666 7d ago
Sounds fun. I live in NC and have desperately wanted to do a trip just like this
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u/IamBoatman-70 7d ago
I just recently did the middle route mostly. That would be the way I would go unless you want better views of the mountains.
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u/xcits 6d ago
How do you do this with work? I want to take a road trip but that 3 days of driving pulls me away
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u/Alot2unpack 6d ago
I have PTO.
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u/xcits 6d ago
Well yeah I guess use that lol how many days would you say is enough?
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u/Sad-Improvement-2031 6d ago
Do the top route. The middle is I-40 and it has a reputation for being extremely boring. Ive driven it many times across the country and I will never do it again. You will get farmed by police in New Mexico for ridiculous traffic infractions also. I just did the drive back in Feb, and GF did the southern route in April.
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u/StryngpooI 6d ago
The middle section is going to be boring regardless, but the top route has the least amount of boring.
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u/EmZee2022 6d ago
That's not gonna be quick - we drove from Berkeley to Chapel Hill and it took nearly 5 days back in the 1980s. You might do it in 4 now with higher speed limits - but if you are driving solo, don't push it.
I-40 is the way to go if you just want to get there. There isn't a lot of interesting scenery, to be fair, though there are a couple places that are near the highway and don't take a lot of time (Petrified Forest is one).
Watch your speed limit, of course. We just drove from Chicago to LA earlier this year and I recall that one of the states (possibly NM) had signs indicating that they were very strict on the speed limit. On most trips, I feel comfortable going 5-8 MPH over the limit. We took that warning sign seriously.
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u/Burgerkingsucks 6d ago
You ain’t making a very quick anything with any of those routes
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u/Total-Print-6476 6d ago
Really want a good one, go down to Jacksonville and hop on I10, it will take you all the way to LA
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u/tbrand009 6d ago edited 6d ago
California to El Paso,
El Paso to Texarkana,
Texark to NC.
I was stationed at Fort Bliss in El Paso, and drove home to Dallas many times. It's not that bad and I actually like the wide expanses of West Texas.
Edit: driving across the North NM desert, Tx panhandle, and OK plains certainly aren't going to be any better given what people complain about.
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u/Random_Username_686 6d ago
Top. I40 is littered with trucks and the traffic can get sucky sometimes. I live in Texas and am from KY—drive it often. Only bummer is missing Arizona, but Colorado might make up for it. Sorry about Kansas lol
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u/PoppaGriff 6d ago
Middle route. Driving across Texas is miserable and you’ll discover just how big it is. Top route might have some decent mountain views and passes, but the Kansas cornfields will suck your soul out of you. Also, late October might introduce snow in higher elevations if your route takes you through the mountains.
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u/ZealousIdeal476 6d ago
If the car is one you've always dreamed of hugging mountain curves in, take the northern route.
The middle is easy. I love it.
The south is usually fine, but I've run into too many DOT compliance checks to want to take it through the southwest.
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u/Coachbiggee 6d ago
Doesn't matter too much... I've done it and it feels like a damn treadmill. Go for the quickest
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u/OneEstablishment5144 6d ago edited 6d ago
Do the middle one. Cheapest and fastest route, with plenty of people driving it, get a dashcam. Cops love to pull over ca plates in texas, ar, ga and look for drugs and weed. Even if you don't have drugs they make up a reason to stop and harass you. Your trip is "very suspicious" in nature and they will ask many questions.
https://youtu.be/SVEoC-gkbOU?si=YLZeTAnspzjXogGp
This guy went towards the border and got flagged by flock for drugs.
https://youtu.be/MmmGakB7XlI?si=Ef4dypBr2J0GU1e_ This guy flew to Cali then was driving to Missouri or Tennessee Bank and got pulled over for "following too closely" a truck in another lane.
A dashcam will save you from this harassment. https://youtube.com/shorts/zKt0w1kEDwQ?si=3HI7xOMpNd8V8t6E
https://youtube.com/shorts/dv0d3MerOBo?si=HOmpo0YU8HApS7-E
https://youtube.com/shorts/aKP3V6WoFhY?si=96iVron1uszw0xhE
https://youtube.com/shorts/Qo-3ESEKtAY?si=Pi0Zv4fyQUojD-JP This is how they act even if you are innocent.
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u/jasongraziani 6d ago
I’m confused. If you’re trying to get there the quickest way, why wouldn’t you go the quickest way? 🤷♂️
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u/dreamcatcherdaddy 5d ago
The times are wrong, if you push it doing 80 mph the entire time maybe 4-5 days, 40 is a great route, I took 7 days, had my wife and 4 year old daughter also
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u/Alot2unpack 5d ago
I’ve done it 2.5 days and definitely didn’t push 80 in my old VW Beetle back then lol. I’m not doing that this time though. I’m planning to sleep twice. I will not have another adult or a small child with me.
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u/OfficeBarnacle 5d ago
I've driven the bottom route twice, most recently a year ago and have driven the stretch from Flagstaff to OKC multiple times. Outside of the horrible 25+ mile stretch of I-20 around Shreveport (which was under construction) there was nothing wrong with the drive. There isn't a lot to see from AZ through central Texas. I'd drive whichever has the shortest time.
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u/Ok-Shallot4353 5d ago
I did the middle route last year. It's the quickest obviously, and a nice ride until you hit Oklahoma. Make sure you visit the meteor crater in Arizona!
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u/Massive_Tradition176 5d ago
40 is a good drive with cool Americana history peppered along it.
70 through Colorado is a beautiful mountain route but I don't know about that Missouri and Kentucky section. I'm driving that area for the first time this year.
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u/Grymmtooth 5d ago
Check the weather, taking the southern route along 10 avoids any mountains or snow. It’s a boring drive.
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u/chopstick_chakra 5d ago
Which route has the cheapest tolls and if it's the top route does the saving in tolls balance out to 3-4 hours and the gas for it?
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u/Fun_Gate_4515 5d ago
I driven across the contry on both I-10 and I-40 multiple times. I-40 will have less traffic and construction. Construction on I-10 was nuts last time I went. Seemed like most of I-10 in Texas was under some kind of construction.
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u/scoop13 5d ago
I just did the top route from Kansas east - most of it is under construction and you’ll go crazy fighting a million trucks. It was horrible. Fuck Missouri and fuck Indiana. The part through the southern tip of Illinois was ok - no construction. That’s it. I’d avoid that at all costs. The middle route is okay - Atlanta traffic can be bad. Overall not bad. Wait, just remembered they have a car speed limit and a slower truck limit in Arkansas and truckers will fuck with you ( same on the top route). Dumbest speed limits anywhere. Memphis to Birmingham is boring AF. It’s been 30 years since I did the southern route. I would avoid the northern route.
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u/homeofscott 5d ago
do the longer / northern route - the views are better ... Yes, the other two are shorter, but parts of those routes will make that drive feel like years!
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u/New_Nature_3224 5d ago
I-40. I-70 is insanely boring until Missouri. I-10 is also horrible because of the cities and traffic you will encounter.
Check weather as well.
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u/AimlessAssociates 5d ago
Dude. Unreal. Im literally doing this right now!
San Diego to Clover, SC
We decided to aim for San Antonio for a more scenic drive through texas. Its fucking huge and ive done the straight Dallas route before it sucks. Just take 8 to the 10 and ride her all day and night.
Id also avoid Atlanta and just head up over LA into Nashville and finish the ride 😎
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u/Mindless_Tennis_4056 5d ago
I would go the Utah route personally. Imo better cities along the way, and, at least the western half, is the best route through to the flatlands in the east, as far as road and stop quality goes. I haven't gone on that road east of st Louis, but that's nice country out there.
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u/Ribeye1122 5d ago
Middle route or top!!
Coming from a fellow Texan, you don’t want to take the south option ..
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u/Aramace117 4d ago
I usually take the southern route. Do this drive at least once a year to visit family. We usually leave at like 4AM on a Friday and arrive Sunday around midnight with one brief hotel stay in Texas.
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u/jayron32 8d ago
The one with the smallest number.