Drive from DC to LA (college, moving, relocating)

[Red1024]

I am relocating (driving) from DC to LA this week and am deciding if I should take the Northern route through Ohio, Indiana, Kansas, Etc. or, the southern route through TN, Arkansas, TX, NM etc. I am curious to hear from other people that have driven these routes before and which they think is faster/more convenient. Looking forward to hear from you guys..Thanks!

[apollyoncruiser]

I did Boston to LA 10 years ago and LA to Atlanta a year ago. Both were great in their own way. I had great weather all the way out to LA back then but with the heat wave now I'd expect to see a few storms here and there and that's regardless of your taking the northern or southern route.

According to AAA the southern route is the fastest at 2680 miles(4313 km). And it also offers a "heads up" motorist note about: all major roads in the state of Arizona, all major roads within Washington, DC, and I-55 in Arkansas (Jct I-40 N to MO state line) being Strict Enforcement Areas.

[BRinSM]

heading south and taking I-40 would probably the quickest route, but not very scenic (except for new mexico and bit of AZ). my parents drove me to richmond for college from the LA area about 10 years ago and we saw the sights around the great lakes, mt. rushmore, and the national parks in utah. it was an amazing trip with plenty to see if you have a few extra days to look around.

[nmnita]

Originally Posted by Red1024

I am relocating (driving) from DC to LA this week and am deciding if I should take the Northern route through Ohio, Indiana, Kansas, Etc. or, the southern route through TN, Arkansas, TX, NM etc. I am curious to hear from other people that have driven these routes before and which they think is faster/more convenient. Looking forward to hear from you guys..Thanks!

Either will work and probably be similar in distance. Have you tried MapQuest or Google to see what they recommend? I think the drive via TN AR, etc is great except the part from say, Amirillo to Albuquerque. Then from about 2 hours outside ABQ to starting to climb the hills going into Flagstaff. Very fast, yes, great roads, for the most part, yes, scenic, NO,NO,NO!!!

Nita

[uptown_urbanist]

We did the DC to LA move, too, and went the southern route, and really enjoyed it. It was great to see the scenery change as we moved across the country. Some parts are more scenic than others, but I think most of it is pretty nice. There's also something rather romantic about the idea of moving west on the part that parallels old Route 66.

[bhcompy]

I'd suggest I70 or I40 because the scenery is better(and you get to hit up Vegas)

[nmnita]

Originally Posted by uptown_urbanist

We did the DC to LA move, too, and went the southern route, and really enjoyed it. It was great to see the scenery change as we moved across the country. Some parts are more scenic than others, but I think most of it is pretty nice. There's also something rather romantic about the idea of moving west on the part that parallels old Route 66.

We did the opposite when moving from L.A. to D.C. well the opposite direction and yes, it was fun seeing the scenery change as we went from one locale to the next.

bhcompy, everyone needs to see Vegas if they haven't already. If nothing else for the mere amazement...

Nita

[bhcompy]

Originally Posted by bhcompy

I'd suggest I70 or I40 because the scenery is better(and you get to hit up Vegas)

I mean I70 over I40, fyi

[Lovehound]

If you take I-40 you should consider a side trip to Grand Canyon, particularly if you've never seen it.

[adiosnj]

What do you by "Strict Enforcement Areas?" I'm planning a drive from NJ to LA in a few weeks and was thinking of taking the Southern Route. I did it once before but drove from LA to NJ and now I'm going back. Is the northern route not as scenic? What do you recommend?