New jersey to california by car
A classic road trip! Here's a guide to help you plan your drive from New Jersey to California by car:
Distance and Route:
The driving distance from New Jersey to California is approximately 2,796 miles (4,498 km). The most common route is along Interstate 80 (I-80), which takes you through the Midwest and the Rocky Mountains.
Day 1-2: New Jersey to Chicago, IL (approx. 790 miles, 1,271 km)
- From New Jersey, take I-80 W to I-90 W (Indiana Toll Road)
- Continue on I-90 W to I-94 W (Chicago, IL)
- Stop for the night in Chicago or continue to the next day
Day 3-4: Chicago, IL to Denver, CO (approx. 960 miles, 1,545 km)
- From Chicago, take I-80 W to I-76 W (Colorado)
- Continue on I-76 W to I-25 S (Denver, CO)
- Stop for the night in Denver or continue to the next day
Day 5-6: Denver, CO to Salt Lake City, UT (approx. 560 miles, 901 km)
- From Denver, take I-25 S to I-70 W (Utah)
- Continue on I-70 W to I-15 S (Salt Lake City, UT)
- Stop for the night in Salt Lake City or continue to the next day
Day 7-8: Salt Lake City, UT to Reno, NV (approx. 560 miles, 901 km)
- From Salt Lake City, take I-15 S to I-80 W (Nevada)
- Continue on I-80 W to I-580 W (Reno, NV)
- Stop for the night in Reno or continue to the next day
Day 9: Reno, NV to Sacramento, CA (approx. 210 miles, 338 km)
- From Reno, take I-80 W to I-5 S (California)
- Continue on I-5 S to Sacramento, CA
Tips and Essentials:
- Make sure your vehicle is in good condition before embarking on the trip.
- Pack snacks, water, and entertainment for the long drives.
- Consider downloading a traffic and navigation app, such as Waze or Google Maps, to help you navigate the route.
- Take regular breaks to stretch your legs and rest.
- Be prepared for varying weather conditions, including snow, rain, and extreme heat.
- Plan for accommodations and meals in advance, especially during peak travel seasons.
Estimated Drive Time:
The total drive time from New Jersey to California is approximately 40-50 hours, depending on the route and traffic conditions. However, this can vary significantly depending on your driving style, the number of stops you make, and any unexpected delays.
Fuel and Tolls:
The estimated fuel cost for this trip is around $500-$700, depending on your vehicle's fuel efficiency and the current gas prices. You'll also need to budget for tolls, which can range from $20-$50 per day, depending on the route and the number of toll roads you take.
With proper planning and preparation, your road trip from New Jersey to California can be a memorable and enjoyable adventure!