How Long Is the Drive from Los Angeles to Baltimore?
The drive from Los Angeles to Baltimore takes approximately 50h 8min, covering 3009 miles via I-10. Under normal conditions, expect to spend around $351 on gas.
Travel time can vary — during peak hours, weekends, or holidays, the journey may take 70–71+ hours. For the fastest trip, leave early morning (before 7 AM) or travel on weekday evenings.
Traffic Estimate
🟢 Light traffic
42h 37m
🔵 Typical
50h 8min
🔴 Heavy traffic
72h 42m
Traffic is usually worst during weekday rush hours (7–9 AM, 4–7 PM) and holiday weekends.
Trip Details
Distance3009 miles (4842 km)
Drive Time50h 8min
RouteI-10
Best TimeMid-morning (9-11 AM)
Fuel Costs
Gas (30 mpg)~100.3 gallons
Est. Cost$351
Route Tips: I-10
Stretches coast-to-coast from LA to Jacksonville. Desert sections in Arizona/New Mexico can be monotonous — bring plenty of water.
You'll likely need 9 fuel stops along the way.
Best Time to Drive from Los Angeles to Baltimore
For a long drive like Los Angeles to Baltimore, plan to depart early in the morning. This lets you cover most of the distance before afternoon traffic builds up. Consider breaking the trip with a lunch stop midway.
🟢 Best:Mid-morning (9-11 AM)
🔴 Avoid:Rush hour (4-7 PM)
Driving vs Flying
🚗 Driving
50h 8min
~$351 gas
✈️ Flying
8h 31m
~$451–$1053 flight
✈️ Flying is faster when you factor in airport time. Flight time is ~6h 1m but add ~2.5 hours for check-in, security, and boarding.
All Travel Options
🚗 Drive
50h 8min
~$351
🚌 Bus
66h 52m
~$241–$542
🚂 Train
54h 43m
~$361–$903
Estimated times and prices. Bus/train availability varies by route. Driving gives the most flexibility for stops and schedules.
Suggested Stops
Popular cities along the route for rest, food, or fuel:
📍 Wichita
📍 Oklahoma City
📍 Tulsa
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to drive from Los Angeles to Baltimore?
The drive from Los Angeles to Baltimore takes approximately 50h 8min covering 3009 miles via I-10. Actual time may vary based on traffic, weather, and road conditions.
How much does gas cost for Los Angeles to Baltimore?
At 30 MPG and $3.50/gallon, expect to spend approximately $351 on gas for this 3009-mile trip. You'll need about 100.3 gallons of fuel.
What is the best time to drive from Los Angeles to Baltimore?
Mid-morning (9-11 AM) to avoid heavy traffic. Weekday mornings before 7 AM or evenings after 7 PM typically have less congestion.
Are there tolls on the Los Angeles to Baltimore route?
Yes, expect approximately $50 in tolls along this route. Consider getting an E-ZPass or similar transponder for faster toll payment.
