Quick Answer
It typically takes 4-5 days to drive from Atlanta, Georgia to California depending on your final destination in the state. The drive is roughly 2,700 miles and will require driving about 500-700 miles per day. This accounts for stopping to eat, sleep, refuel, and take breaks.
Driving Distance From Atlanta to California
The driving distance from Atlanta, Georgia to California depends on where exactly you are driving to in the state. Here are some example driving distances and times:
- Atlanta to Los Angeles: 2,139 miles, 32 hours of driving time
- Atlanta to San Francisco: 2,559 miles, 38 hours of driving time
- Atlanta to San Diego: 2,392 miles, 36 hours of driving time
As you can see, a road trip from Atlanta to anywhere in California will cover around 2,000-2,600 miles depending on your final destination. This equals 30-40 hours of time behind the wheel.
To cover this distance in 4-5 days, you would need to drive about 500-700 miles per day. Driving 500 miles per day would get you there in roughly 5 days while driving 700 miles daily would wrap up the trip in about 4 days.
Factors That Affect Driving Time
There are several factors that can affect how long it takes to drive from Atlanta to California:
Route Taken
The route you take to get across the country will impact your total drive time. The most direct interstate route from Atlanta to California is via I-20 West and I-10 West for about 80% of the drive. This route passes through major cities like Dallas, El Paso, Tucson, and Phoenix.
However, some drivers opt to take a more northern route that includes I-40 West. This adds extra distance and time but some prefer the scenery and stops along the way. Make sure to map out your preferred route in advance to estimate driving time.
Road Conditions
Driving conditions along your route can significantly impact travel time. Factors like road construction, accidents, and busy traffic through metro areas can all slow you down. Allow flexibility in your schedule in case you run into delays. Checking conditions in advance can help you choose less congested routes.
Number of Drivers
Sharing the driving with one or more additional licensed drivers allows you to cover more ground each day. Switching off lets drivers stay more alert. Having 2-3 drivers could shave off up to a full day of travel time. Keep in mind, you’d need overnight stops to accommodate multiple drivers.
Number of Stops
How often you stop to rest, eat, refuel, and sightsee will affect your pace. Limiting stops to only essential ones will maximize driving time each day. But some stops add enjoyment. You’ll need to find the right balance for your needs. Leaving later in the morning and/or calling it a day earlier builds in more time for stops.
Speed
Your average driving speed impacts how many miles you can cover per day. The interstate speed limit is 70-75 mph in most western states. Maintaining this pace allows you to drive 500+ miles daily. However, traffic, weather, or your comfort level may call for lower speeds at times. A GPS with real-time traffic updates can help you maintain optimal speeds.
Best Practices for Driving From Atlanta to California
Here are some top tips for making the drive from Atlanta to California go smoothly:
- Load up on audiobooks, playlists, and podcasts for entertainment on the long highway stretches
- Bring plenty of healthy snacks to keep your energy up
- Swap drivers at least every 2-3 hours to allow for breaks
- Limit daily mileage to around 500-700 miles depending on your pace
- Plan overnight hotel stops in advance; book rooms early for best rates
- Drive during daylight hours as much as possible
- Check all fluid levels, tires, wipers etc. before you depart
- Pack an emergency roadside kit with flares, jumper cables, tire inflator, etc.
- Bring along a GPS device with real-time traffic and maps
Following these tips will help make your cross country drive to California a success. Proper preparation and pacing yourself along the route are key.
Potential Road Trip Itineraries
Here are two sample 5-day itineraries for driving from Atlanta to California:
Itinerary #1: Atlanta to Los Angeles
| Day | Miles | Route | Overnight Stop |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 545 miles | Atlanta to Dallas, TX via I-20 W | Dallas, TX |
| 2 | 635 miles | Dallas, TX to Tucson, AZ via I-10 W | Tucson, AZ |
| 3 | 390 miles | Tucson, AZ to Phoenix, AZ via I-10 W | Phoenix, AZ |
| 4 | 370 miles | Phoenix, AZ to Barstow, CA via I-10 W | Barstow, CA |
| 5 | 200 miles | Barstow, CA to Los Angeles, CA via I-15 S | Los Angeles, CA |
This itinerary covers around 2,100 total miles over 5 days of driving. It allows for stops in some top cities along the route like Dallas, Tucson, and Phoenix before the final leg into Los Angeles.
Itinerary #2: Atlanta to San Francisco
| Day | Miles | Route | Overnight Stop |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 505 miles | Atlanta to Memphis, TN via I-75 N | Memphis, TN |
| 2 | 630 miles | Memphis, TN to Albuquerque, NM via I-40 W | Albuquerque, NM |
| 3 | 645 miles | Albuquerque, NM to Flagstaff, AZ via I-40 W | Flagstaff, AZ |
| 4 | 525 miles | Flagstaff, AZ to Barstow, CA via I-40 W | Barstow, CA |
| 5 | 270 miles | Barstow, CA to San Francisco, CA via I-580 W | San Francisco, CA |
This itinerary follows a more northern route covering around 2,600 miles over 5 days. It allows you to stop in fun cities like Memphis, Albuquerque, and Flagstaff en route to the Bay Area.
Conclusion
Driving from Atlanta to California typically takes 4-5 days averaging 500-700 miles per day. The exact route and pace depends on your final destination and preferences. Optimal routes utilize major interstates I-20, I-40, and I-10. Proper preparation and pacing are key to maximize time while allowing for essential stops. Following the tips and sample itineraries in this guide will help make your coast-to-coast road trip a big success. Just be sure to schedule some extra time to enjoy the scenery and explore once you arrive!