Driving Time between Cambridge, Massachusetts and Mountain View, California

A picture depicting driving

The Great American Road Trip: Cambridge, Massachusetts to Mountain View, California!

Are you ready for an epic adventure? Planning a road trip across the country can be daunting, but we’ve got you covered with our guide to getting from Cambridge, Massachusetts to Mountain View, California with recommendations of stops along the way. Buckle up and let’s hit the road!

The Northern Route

If scenic views are what you’re after, then the northern route might be the one for you. Taking the I-90 W and I-80 W, the journey covers 3100 miles and will take about 47 hours of driving time. Along the way, there are some great spots to stop and explore, like:

  • Niagara Falls, New York
  • Chicago, Illinois
  • Badlands National Park, South Dakota
  • Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

The Central Route

For those who prefer to stick to the beaten path, the central route is a good option. Taking the I-70 W and I-80 W, the journey covers 2800 miles and will take about 41 hours of driving time. There are some interesting cities and natural wonders to explore, like:

  • St. Louis, Missouri
  • Denver, Colorado
  • Arches National Park, Utah
  • Lake Tahoe, California

The Southern Route

Looking for some southern hospitality? Take the I-95 S and I-10 W, which covers 3200 miles and takes about 47 hours of driving time. This route covers the most diverse range of landscapes and offers some great spots to stop:

  • Washington D.C.
  • New Orleans, Louisiana
  • Austin, Texas
  • Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

The Drive Time

Driving the 2730 miles from Cambridge, Massachusetts to Mountain View, California without any stops will take approximately 41 hours using the I-80 W. In reality, stopping to take in the sights and refuel will add on time to the journey. We recommend breaking the drive up into at least a three-day trip to avoid getting too exhausted behind the wheel.

Recommendations for Long-Drive Comfort

To make your road trip as comfortable as possible, we recommend bringing along some gadgets to help pass the time, such as:

  • A tablet loaded with your favorite movies and TV shows
  • A travel pillow and blanket
  • A GPS navigator to help ensure you don’t get lost
  • A cooler filled with drinks and snacks to keep you energized

We also recommend booking lodging ahead of time, so you don’t have to worry about finding a room for the night. Check for discounts at hotels along the way to save money.

Wrapping Up

All three routes have their charms and unique sights, so it’s worth considering which route is right for you and what you hope to get from your journey. For the adventurous and spontaneous travelers out there, we recommend taking it easy and stopping to explore some lesser-known spots. Make it the journey of a lifetime by savoring the experience, and who knows - you may even create a few cherished memories along the way.