Top 10 Longest Highways in the US
Introduction
Hey there, I’m Emily and I love road trips! There is something magical about hitting the open road and exploring new places. As a road trip enthusiast, I’ve had the pleasure of driving on some of the longest highways in the US. In this article, I’m going to share with you the top 10 longest highways in the US, as well as some interesting facts and personal experiences along the way. So buckle up and let’s hit the road!
Top 10 Longest Highways in the US
- US Route 20 – 3,365 miles
- US Route 6 – 3,207 miles
- US Route 30 – 3,073 miles
- Interstate 90 – 3,020 miles
- US Route 50 – 3,008 miles
- Interstate 80 – 2,899 miles
- US Route 2 – 2,571 miles
- Interstate 40 – 2,554 miles
- US Route 1 – 2,369 miles
- US Route 101 – 1,540 miles
As you can see, the US is home to some really long highways! Each one of these highways has its own unique charm and beauty. Let’s dive into each one in a bit more detail.
US Route 20 – 3,365 miles
I’ve personally driven on US Route 20 from Boston to Yellowstone National Park and it was an incredible experience. This highway passes through 12 states and offers stunning views of the Great Lakes, the Mississippi River, and the Rocky Mountains.
Fun fact: US Route 20 is the longest road in the US that is not an interstate highway.
US Route 6 – 3,207 miles
US Route 6 is known as the Grand Army of the Republic Highway and follows the route taken by the Grand Army of the Republic during the Civil War. This highway passes through 14 states and offers breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains, the Great Plains, and the Atlantic Ocean.
Personal experience: I drove on US Route 6 in Pennsylvania and it was a beautiful drive through rolling hills and charming small towns.
US Route 30 – 3,073 miles
US Route 30, also known as the Lincoln Highway, is the first transcontinental highway in the US. This highway passes through 11 states and offers a glimpse into the history of the US, as it was the main route for cross-country travel before the interstate highway system was built.
Fun fact: US Route 30 passes through Times Square in New York City.
Interstate 90 – 3,020 miles
Interstate 90 is the longest interstate highway in the US and runs from Seattle, Washington to Boston, Massachusetts. This highway passes through 13 states and offers stunning views of the Rocky Mountains, the Great Plains, and the Great Lakes.
Personal experience: I drove on Interstate 90 in South Dakota and it was a surreal experience driving through the Badlands National Park.
US Route 50 – 3,008 miles
US Route 50, also known as the Loneliest Road in America, passes through 12 states and offers a unique and off-the-beaten-path road trip experience. This highway passes through the Great Plains, the Rocky Mountains, and the Sierra Nevada mountain range.
Fun fact: US Route 50 passes through the highest mountain pass in Nevada, which is more than 7,000 feet above sea level.
Interstate 80 – 2,899 miles
Interstate 80 is the second-longest interstate highway in the US and runs from San Francisco, California to Teaneck, New Jersey. This highway passes through 11 states and offers stunning views of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, the Great Plains, and the Appalachian Mountains.
Personal experience: I drove on Interstate 80 in Nebraska and it was a beautiful drive through rolling hills and fields of corn.
US Route 2 – 2,571 miles
US Route 2, also known as the Great Northern Highway, runs from Everett, Washington to Houlton, Maine. This highway passes through 13 states and offers stunning views of the Pacific Northwest, the Great Plains, and the Appalachian Mountains.
Fun fact: US Route 2 passes through Glacier National Park in Montana, which is known for its stunning scenery and wildlife.
Interstate 40 – 2,554 miles
Interstate 40 runs from Barstow, California to Wilmington, North Carolina. This highway passes through 8 states and offers stunning views of the Mojave Desert, the Rocky Mountains, and the Great Plains.
Personal experience: I drove on Interstate 40 in Arizona and it was a surreal experience driving through the Painted Desert.
US Route 1 – 2,369 miles
US Route 1 runs from Key West, Florida to Fort Kent, Maine. This highway passes through 14 states and offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean, the Chesapeake Bay, and the White Mountains.
Fun fact: US Route 1 passes through the Florida Keys, which are a popular vacation destination known for their clear blue waters and coral reefs.
US Route 101 – 1,540 miles
US Route 101, also known as the Pacific Coast Highway, runs from Olympia, Washington to Los Angeles, California. This highway passes through 3 states and offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, the Olympic Mountains, and the Redwood Forest.
Personal experience: I drove on US Route 101 in Oregon and it was a beautiful drive along the rugged coastline.
FAQs
What is the longest highway in the US?
The longest highway in the US is US Route 20, which is 3,365 miles long.
What is the second-longest highway in the US?
The second-longest highway in the US is US Route 6, which is 3,207 miles long.
What is the longest interstate highway in the US?
The longest interstate highway in the US is Interstate 90, which is 3,020 miles long.
Which highway is known as the Loneliest Road in America?
US Route 50 is known as the Loneliest Road in America.
Which highway is known as the Grand Army of the Republic Highway?
US Route 6 is known as the Grand Army of the Republic Highway.