How Long Is the Drive from Salt Lake City to New York?
The drive from Salt Lake City to New York takes approximately 42h 37min, covering 2558 miles via I-80. Under normal conditions, expect to spend around $298 on gas.
Travel time can vary — during peak hours, weekends, or holidays, the journey may take 59–60+ hours. For the fastest trip, leave early morning (before 7 AM) or travel on weekday evenings.
Traffic Estimate
🟢 Light traffic
36h 13m
🔵 Typical
42h 37min
🔴 Heavy traffic
61h 48m
Traffic is usually worst during weekday rush hours (7–9 AM, 4–7 PM) and holiday weekends.
Trip Details
Distance2558 miles (4116 km)
Drive Time42h 37min
RouteI-80
Best TimeWeekday mid-day
Fuel Costs
Gas (30 mpg)~85.3 gallons
Est. Cost$298
Route Tips: I-80
Crosses the country through the northern states. Mountain passes in Wyoming and Utah can see winter closures.
You'll likely need 7 fuel stops along the way.
Best Time to Drive from Salt Lake City to New York
For a long drive like Salt Lake City to New York, 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:Weekday mid-day
🔴 Avoid:Rush hour (4-7 PM)
Driving vs Flying
🚗 Driving
42h 37min
~$298 gas
✈️ Flying
7h 37m
~$384–$895 flight
✈️ Flying is faster when you factor in airport time. Flight time is ~5h 7m but add ~2.5 hours for check-in, security, and boarding.
All Travel Options
🚗 Drive
42h 37min
~$298
🚌 Bus
56h 51m
~$205–$460
🚂 Train
46h 31m
~$307–$767
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:
📍 Des Moines
📍 Kansas City
📍 Omaha
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to drive from Salt Lake City to New York?
The drive from Salt Lake City to New York takes approximately 42h 37min covering 2558 miles via I-80. Actual time may vary based on traffic, weather, and road conditions.
How much does gas cost for Salt Lake City to New York?
At 30 MPG and $3.50/gallon, expect to spend approximately $298 on gas for this 2558-mile trip. You'll need about 85.3 gallons of fuel.
What is the best time to drive from Salt Lake City to New York?
Weekday mid-day to avoid heavy traffic. Weekday mornings before 7 AM or evenings after 7 PM typically have less congestion.
Are there tolls on the Salt Lake City to New York route?
Yes, expect approximately $50 in tolls along this route. Consider getting an E-ZPass or similar transponder for faster toll payment.
