Dreaming of a cross-country road trip that will leave you feeling in awe of America? We’ve got you covered with insider tips for a seamless, fun and affordable adventure. We’ll help you plan the perfect journey, with insights that will help you maximize every mile. Then, we’ll disclose the three most epic itineraries, including the north, central region and the south. Each one of our routes includes bucket list cities and attractions.
Whether you’re looking for magical moments in nature, small town charm or big city vibes, there’s something for everyone in our favorite itineraries.
10 Quick Tips for Cross-Country Road Trips
We have a century-long legacy of helping travelers have unforgettable experiences. Our history of mapping out America has allowed us to do a deep dive into some of the top destinations. We’ve accumulated hundreds of insider tips that we’re proud to share with explorers. Here’s a culmination of the top tips we’ve previously given travelers across the country.
- Get your car road trip-ready: Swing by your service shop to make sure your car is in shape for a long journey. Ask your mechanic to check your tire pressure, fluid levels, wheel alignment and any other critical components.
- Stock up on sustenance: Purchasing food and drinks on the road can quickly eat into your travel budget. So pack a mini cooler and load up with sustenance from your local wholesale store to avoid roadside market prices.
- Anticipate medical needs: Select routes can include long stretches without services. If anyone in your crew manages a chronic condition, make sure they pack enough medicine to account for remote areas.
- Prepare for variable weather: Covering multiple states means experiencing multiple climates. Pack with temperature changes in mind. Everything from sun protection to rain gear should be in your car.
- Use reputable resources: Don’t let bad information lead to adventure mishaps. Always use official websites, like state and national park sites, to get information on operating hours, entry fees, road closures and other critical intel.
- Map out fuel stops: Before you head out, note no-service stretches so you can plan gas stops accordingly.
- Make breaks mandatory: Everyone’s eyes become weary after hours behind the wheel. Pull over frequently in safe locations to avoid fatigue and driving burnout.
- Tap into tech for savings: Check discount travel apps to save on accommodations. A quick comparison can save you hundreds of dollars.
- Pack paper maps: Some areas have poor or zero cell service. Bring paper maps and road atlases for reliable directions when you lose cell service.
- Save room for treasures. Pack light to start — chances are you’ll want to buy souvenirs along the way.
Now that you have our top 10 tips, you can hit the road with confidence. Read on for our three most memorable cross-country road trip routes.
A Northern Cross-Country Drive: Pacific Northwest, Northern Plains and Great Lakes
If it’s a cooler climate, iconic heritage sites and scenic landscapes you yearn for, a northern cross-country road trip is the clear choice. Our itinerary has you cruising along the shores of Lake Michigan and Lake Erie and witnessing the wild beauty of the Northern Plains. We recommend taking this trip in the late spring or early fall, when you can enjoy outdoor activities without sweating or freezing.
Northern Route Overview
This ocean-to-ocean journey begins at the Pacific Coast and ends at the Atlantic, winding through iconic parks, lakefront beauty, culture-packed cities and quaint towns.
Start: Seattle, Washington
End: New York City
Distance: approximately 3,000 miles
Estimated Drive Time: ~45–50 hours without stops
States on Your Route:
- Washington
- Idaho
- Montana
- South Dakota
- Minnesota
- Wisconsin
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Ohio
- Pennsylvania
- New Jersey
- New York
Nearly every one of these states contains a noteworthy city, rich with culture, history, architecture or all of the above. Here are the cities we recommend spending a night or two in.
- Spokane, WA
- Sturgis, SD
- Minneapolis, MN
- Madison, WI
- Chicago, IL
- Cleveland, OH
- Pittsburgh, PA
- New York City
When you explore the northern states, you can witness a highlight reel of America’s most stunning attractions. If you’re willing to tack on a couple of hours to your trip, take a detour to Montana’s Glacier National Park and enjoy its pristine lakes and towering peaks — not to mention Going-to-the-Sun Road, a view-packed scenic drive within the park.
In Chicago, enjoy the shores of Lake Michigan and world-famous architecture, like the John Hancock Center with its striking X-braced design, or the numerous Frank Lloyd Wright homes. And, let your music-loving heart sing at Cleveland’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
A Central Cross-Country Trip: Classic Americana and Historic Highways
Craving a road trip that’s a blend of relaxed Midwest vibes, historic landmarks and scenic highways? Then a drive across the central United States should be one of the cross-country road trips on your bucket list. Traverse the iconic landscapes of Utah and the roads that wind through the hills of Kentucky on your way to a gorgeous beach town.
We recommend making the trip in the spring if you want to watch wildflowers bloom and enjoy a modest climate, summer for a beach-focused adventure or fall for eye-popping fall foliage.
Central Route Overview
Cruise from the grasslands of the Great Plains to charming Virginia Beach on a route that blends natural beauty with iconic heritage.
Start: San Francisco, California
End: Virginia Beach, Virginia
Distance: approximately 2,800 miles
Estimated Drive Time: ~40–45 hours without stops
States on Your Route:
- California
- Nevada
- Utah
- Wyoming
- Nebraska
- Missouri
- Illinois
- Kentucky
- West Virginia
- Virginia
Our central cross-country trip will take you through cities offering a mixture of stunning natural backdrops and modern culture amongst striking skyscrapers. Here are some of the notable cities you’ll explore:
- San Francisco, CA
- Reno, NV
- Salt Lake City, UT
- Cheyenne, WY
- Lincoln, NE
- Kansas City, MO
- St. Louis, MO
- Louisville, KY
- Charleston, WV
- Virginia Beach, VA
Craving culture, nature and history? This is one of those cross-country trips that has it all. Kick things off in Lake Tahoe, where alpine lakes and hiker-friendly trails straddle the Nevada/California border. Enjoy snow sports in the winter, or days on the water in the summer.
Enjoy fresh air and scenic roads in Wyoming’s Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest. Indulge in finger-licking good BBQ in Kansas City, and explore the Crossroads Arts District. Enjoy panoramic city views at the top of The Gateway Arch in St. Louis before exploring the waterfront in Louisville, KY. Wrap up your trip with a Civil War history lesson in Virginia and a stroll through time at Colonial Williamsburg.
A Southern Cross-Country Car Trip: Sunshine, Culture, and Coastal Vibes
Looking for a leisurely summer road trip? Cruise through the southern states. You’ll find relaxing coastal towns, along with a warm climate — perfect for fun in the sun. Cities known for southern charm and diverse cultural stops are also highlights of this itinerary. Our route contains several destinations worthy of a multi-day visit. Consider making time for an extended Texas Road Trip or New Orleans escape.
Southern Route Overview
From the sunny shores of California to the history-steeped cobblestone streets of North Carolina, this trip provides unforgettable thrills, combined with laid-back vibes.
Start: San Diego, California
End: Wilmington, North Carolina
Distance: approximately 2,900 miles
Estimated Drive Time: ~40 hours without stops
States on Your Route:
- California
- Arizona
- New Mexico
- Texas
- Louisiana
- Mississippi
- Alabama
- Georgia
- South Carolina
- North Carolina
This southern road trip includes cities known for mouthwatering cuisine, rich history and thriving music scenes. Let’s look at some of the major hubs you’ll explore.
- San Diego, CA
- Tucson, AZ
- El Paso, TX
- San Antonio, TX
- Houston, TX
- New Orleans, LA
- Biloxi, MS
- Mobile, AL
- Atlanta, GA
- Columbia, SC
- Wilmington, NC
Take your pick from numerous Insta-worthy stops. Soak up sun, waves and all the burritos your belly can handle in Old Town San Diego. Enjoy desert vibes across Arizona, including Saguaro National Park, known for its iconic, gargantuan cacti and mesmerizing sunsets. Marvel at white gypsum dunes in New Mexico’s White Sands National Park for a scene that looks straight out of Dune 2. Stroll San Antonio’s River Walk, dotted with waterfront cafes and shops. Don’t miss the Alamo, where you can learn about major moments in Texan history.
Satisfy your cravings for Cajun and Creole cuisine in New Orleans, before taking in the street music in the French Quarter. Luxuriate in lazy days along the Gulf Coast on Mississippi and Alabama’s white sand beaches. In Atlanta, GA, check out Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park. In Columbia, SC, explore the Riverbanks Zoo & Garden before the last leg of your journey.
Plan Your Cross-Country Road Trip Itinerary with Rand McNally
Whichever cross-country road trip you choose — northern, central or southern — you’ll find there’s no shortage of adventure across the U.S. Breezy coastal towns, fairytale farmlands, majestic mountaintops and big, buzzing cities await you in any of our three itineraries.
Hit the road with confidence with our navigational tools by your side. By packing our road maps and atlases, you’ll always find your way, even when you lose cell service. With easy-to-follow directions, detailed graphics, and insider insights, our resources ensure you hit all the highlights (and locate hidden gems).
It’s time to write your story across America’s highways and backroads. Grab your Rand McNally road trip resources and plan your cross-country trip like a pro.
U.S. Cross-Country Road Trip FAQ
Need additional information before you hit the road? Find answers to the top cross-country road trip questions below.
What counts as a cross-country road trip?
A cross-country road trip spans from the Pacific Coast to the Atlantic Coast (or vice versa). Depending on the route you choose, the total distance will be approximately 2,000 to 3,000 miles.
How long would a cross-country road trip take?
A cross-country road trip can take anywhere from several days to a few weeks, depending on the route.
What is the average cost of a cross-country road trip?
The total cost of your cross-country road trip will depend on several variables, including the type of car you drive, the accommodations you choose, where you eat and which attractions you visit. However, here are some average figures, sourced from Investopedia.
- Gas: $272
- Food: $258
- Lodging: $1,165
The type of traveler you are will greatly influence these numbers. For example, eating at gastropubs will cost much more than packing your own meals; staying at four-star hotels will cost more than camping.
What is the most scenic cross-country road trip?
There are several cross-country road trips known for their unforgettable views, including:
- Route 66: While not a coast-to-coast route, this historic road is known for its quirky attractions and historic landmarks.
- Southern Route: Spanning Florida to California, this route connects two distinct coastal areas, with serene desert landscapes and bustling southern cities between them
- The Great Northern (US-2): Beginning in Washington and ending in Maine at Acadia National Park, this route takes you through Glacier National Park, Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and the Canadian province of Ottawa.
From relaxing coastlines to untamed wilderness and culturally diverse towns, these scenic drives showcase all that America has to offer.