Lincoln Highway Road Trip Itinerary
The Lincoln Highway Road Trip is a 4990km journey from New York City in the United States to San Francisco. This trip is best taken in 20 days, and the best time of the year to drive is in spring or fall. Along the route, you will experience a variety of landscapes and attractions, including Philadelphia, Indianapolis, Omaha, and Salt Lake City. There are also numerous UNESCO Heritage Monuments located along the route, including the historic Fort McHenry and the Statue of Liberty. The roads are in excellent condition, so you will be able to enjoy the scenery and make your way comfortably to each destination.
This road trip offers an excellent experience for all drivers, and it can be managed on a moderate budget. You will make memories that last a lifetime, so don't miss out on this amazing opportunity!
20
number of days
4,990 km
route length
fair
budget
tourist
good for
on the right
traffic direction
moderate
accident level
START
New York City
Distance 4,990 km
Driving time 49.4 h
Pace: fast
1,497.0 kWh
Airports
EWR
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JFK
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New York City, United States, is a great place to start the Lincoln Highway Road Trip. It has a plethora of attractions and activities that will be sure to please any traveler. From the iconic Statue of Liberty to the towering Empire State Building, there are plenty of things to explore and experience in this vibrant city. For those traveling by air, the closest international airport is John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), which offers a wide range of car rental services. If you plan on driving, you'll be able to take in the sights and sounds of the city while cruising the streets. There are plenty of museums, galleries, and other cultural attractions to explore, such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art, and the Guggenheim Museum. For a taste of history, you can visit the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, the Brooklyn Bridge, and the Staten Island Ferry. You can also get a great view of the city from the Top of the Rock Observation Deck or the One World Observatory. New York City is a great place to start your Lincoln Highway Road Trip, and it’s sure to offer something for everyone.
1
New York City
- Philadelphia
Distance 174 km
Driving time 2.1 h
Pace: fast
52.2 kWh
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Welcome to the New York City - Philadelphia road trip stage! This 108mi journey will take you fewer than 3 hours to complete and you can expect to find some amazing UNESCO Heritage sites along the way.
Start your adventure in New York City, the most populous city in the United States. Here you can visit the iconic Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, and Central Park.
Continue your journey to Philadelphia, the birthplace of the United States. Here you can visit the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
As you drive, don't forget to take in the amazing scenery and historical sites. There are plenty of attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route. For more information, please refer to the itinerary of this stage.
We hope you enjoy your journey and have a safe and memorable trip!
Philadelphia - United States - North America - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
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2
Philadelphia
- Pittsburgh
Distance 495 km
Driving time 5.2 h
Pace: fast
148.5 kWh
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Welcome to the Philadelphia to Pittsburgh road trip! This 308mi journey will take you through some of the most beautiful and historical sites in the United States.
Start your journey in Philadelphia, the birthplace of the United States. Visit the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and the Benjamin Franklin Museum. Then, make your way to Valley Forge, the site of the Continental Army's winter encampment during the American Revolutionary War.
Continue your journey to Lancaster, the oldest inland city in the United States. Here, you can visit the Amish Village, the Lancaster Central Market, and the Landis Valley Museum.
Your next stop is Gettysburg, the site of the Battle of Gettysburg during the American Civil War. Visit the Gettysburg National Military Park and Museum, the Gettysburg Heritage Center, and the Soldiers' National Cemetery.
Finally, you will arrive in Pittsburgh, the City of Bridges. Here, you can visit the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, the Andy Warhol Museum, and the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium.
Be sure to pay attention to the historical sites along your journey and take in the beauty of the landscape. For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your journey!
Pittsburgh - United States - North America - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
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3
Pittsburgh
- Indianapolis
Distance 302 km
Driving time 3.1 h
Pace: fast
90.5 kWh
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Are you ready for an amazing road trip from Pittsburgh to Indianapolis? This stage will take you on a 187mi journey and you can reach your destination in less than 4 hours! On your way, you can visit some of the most interesting places in these two cities.
You can start your trip in Pittsburgh and visit the Andy Warhol Museum, the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, and the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens.
Once you arrive in Indianapolis, you can visit the Indianapolis Museum of Art, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Hall of Fame Museum, and the Children's Museum of Indianapolis.
If you are looking for more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, you can find it in the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and get ready for a unique road trip!
Indianapolis - United States - North America - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
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4
Indianapolis
- Chicago
Distance 569 km
Driving time 5.8 h
Pace: fast
170.8 kWh
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Are you ready for a thrilling road trip from Indianapolis to Chicago? This journey of 354 miles will take you less than 6 hours to complete, so you can make the most of your time on the road. You will get to experience the best of both cities as you explore the historical sites, monuments, parks, and other attractions.
Start your journey in Indianapolis, and make sure you visit the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, the White River State Park, and the Soldiers and Sailors Monument. As you drive towards Chicago, take some time to explore the Indiana Dunes State Park, the Indiana Sand Dunes National Lakeshore, and the Indiana Dunes National Park.
Once you reach Chicago, make sure you explore the city's iconic attractions such as the Cloud Gate sculpture, the Navy Pier, and the Millennium Park. Other attractions such as the Willis Tower, the Art Institute of Chicago, and the Field Museum of Natural History are also worth a visit.
For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable road trip!
Chicago - United States - North America - Road Trip - www.goodfreephotos.com
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5
Chicago
- Omaha
Distance 753 km
Driving time 7.6 h
Pace: fast
225.9 kWh
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Welcome to the Chicago to Omaha road trip! This 468-mile journey will take you less than 8 hours of driving and will be an unforgettable experience.
Start your trip in Chicago, the city of skyscrapers, museums, and parks. Don't miss the iconic Willis Tower, the Museum of Science and Industry, and the Adler Planetarium.
As you travel west, you'll pass through the charming town of Rockford. Make sure to stop at Anderson Japanese Gardens and the Rockford Art Museum.
Continue on to Madison and explore the State Capitol, the University of Wisconsin, and the Olbrich Botanical Gardens.
Finally, you'll arrive in Omaha, the largest city in Nebraska. Enjoy the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, the Durham Museum, and the Omaha Children's Museum.
For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check out the Itinerary of this stage.
Enjoy your trip!
Omaha - United States - North America - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
Omaha - United States - North America - Road Trip - Needpix.com
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6
Omaha
- Cheyenne
Distance 801 km
Driving time 7.3 h
Pace: fast
240.4 kWh
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Embark on an unforgettable road trip from Omaha to Cheyenne! This 498mi journey will take you through the heart of the Great Plains, and you'll get to explore some of the most interesting places in the United States.
Start your journey in Omaha, the largest city in Nebraska. Here you can visit the Henry Doorly Zoo, one of the most renowned in the world. You can also explore the Old Market, a historic district full of shops, restaurants, and galleries.
As you drive west, you'll pass through the charming city of North Platte, where you can visit the Golden Spike Tower and Visitor Center, which commemorates the completion of the first transcontinental railroad.
Continue west and you'll reach Sidney, a great place to stop for lunch. From there, you'll drive through the rolling hills of Wyoming to reach Cheyenne, the capital of Wyoming. Here you can visit the historic Cheyenne Depot Plaza, where you can learn about the city's rich history.
This is just one of the stages of an unforgettable road trip, and more information about attractions, accommodations, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the "Itinerary" of this stage. So pack your bags and hit the road!
Cheyenne - United States - North America - Road Trip - www.flickr.com
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7
Cheyenne
- Salt Lake City
Distance 703 km
Driving time 6.9 h
Pace: fast
210.9 kWh
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Welcome, road-trippers! Let's embark on a journey that starts in Cheyenne, Wyoming and ends in Salt Lake City, Utah. This 437mi drive will take you fewer than 7 hours, so you can make the most of your time and explore the most interesting places in both cities.
In Cheyenne, make sure to visit the Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum to learn about the city's past and the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens to admire the beauty of nature. In Salt Lake City, you can explore the Mormon Temple Square, the Utah State Capitol, and the Natural History Museum of Utah.
This is only one stage of your road trip, so make sure to check out the "Itinerary" section for more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route. Enjoy your journey!
Salt Lake City - United States - North America - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
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8
Salt Lake City
- Reno
Distance 836 km
Driving time 7.6 h
Pace: fast
250.8 kWh
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Welcome to the road-trip stage from Salt Lake City to Reno! This stage of your journey will take you through some of the most beautiful landscapes of the US, with a total distance of 519mi and a driving time of fewer than 8 hours.
Starting in Salt Lake City, you will have the chance to visit some of the most iconic landmarks of the city, such as the Mormon Temple, the historic Union Pacific Depot, and the Great Salt Lake.
As you continue your journey, you will drive through the picturesque landscapes of the Great Basin National Park. The park is known for its breathtaking views of the Lehman Caves, the Wheeler Peak, and the Bristlecone Pine Forest.
Afterwards, you will reach the city of Reno. Here, you can explore the Nevada Museum of Art, the National Automobile Museum, and the Animal Ark Wildlife Sanctuary.
For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your trip!
Reno - United States - North America - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
Reno - United States - North America - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
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9
Reno
- San Francisco
Distance 357 km
Driving time 3.9 h
Pace: fast
107.0 kWh
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Welcome to the Reno-San Francisco road trip! This stage of your journey takes you through 222 miles of breathtaking landscapes and historical sites, while taking you to some of the most iconic places in the United States. The entire journey takes fewer than 4 hours, so you'll have plenty of time to explore and take in the sights.
Start your journey in Reno, a city known for its casinos, nightlife, and outdoor activities. Visit the National Automobile Museum to see some of the most iconic cars from the past, or take a stroll along the Truckee Riverwalk.
Continue your drive towards San Francisco, where you can explore the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. Take a ferry to Alcatraz Island, or visit the bustling Fisherman's Wharf. Make sure to take a ride on a cable car, and don't forget to take a picture of the iconic Painted Ladies.
More information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the "Itinerary" of this stage, so make sure to check it out before you set out on your journey. Enjoy your trip, and have a safe drive!
San Francisco - United States - North America - Road Trip - pixabay.com
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San Francisco
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San Francisco is the perfect end point for the "Lincoln Highway Road Trip"! With its iconic attractions and landmarks, this city is sure to be the highlight of your journey.
Start your visit with a ride on the iconic cable cars, a San Francisco tradition since 1873. Be sure to take the Powell-Mason line, which travels along the famous Nob Hill and Fisherman’s Wharf. For an unbeatable view of the city, head to the Coit Tower, where you can take in the stunning 360-degree views of the bay and the Golden Gate Bridge.
If you're looking for a cultural experience, explore the former prison on Alcatraz Island, or take in the collection at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. If you have time, visit the Asian Art Museum, which features artifacts from across the continent.
For a taste of the outdoors, take a stroll in Golden Gate Park, which offers plenty of activities for all ages. Or, take a romantic walk along the waterfront at Pier 39 and enjoy the street performers and the city skyline.
The closest international airport to San Francisco is San Francisco International Airport (SFO). Whether you’re traveling by car or by air, San Francisco is sure to leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.
Lincoln Highway Road Trip at a glance
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Start:
New York City
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End:
San Francisco
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Distance:
4,990 km
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Stay:
20 days
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Getting there:
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR),
John F Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
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When to drive:
May, June, July, August, September, October
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More info:
More info you can find in the "Itinerary" section at each stage.
Before you set off
The Lincoln Highway Road Trip is an epic American adventure that stretches approximately 4,990 km (3,100 miles) from Times Square in New York City to Lincoln Park in San Francisco. This journey traverses the diverse American landscape, offering a panorama of the country’s changing geography and a unique cross-section of its culture and history. Ideal for a 20-day excursion, the route allows for in-depth exploration and an authentic taste of the American spirit.
Key Destinations and Top Sights:
The route is dotted with vibrant cities and quaint towns, taking travelers through major metropolitan areas such as Philadelphia, with its rich Revolutionary history; Chicago, known for its architectural marvels; and Denver, the gateway to the Rocky Mountains. Alongside urban attractions, Roadtrippers will discover significant historical landmarks. In addition to Fort McHenry in Baltimore, where Francis Scott Key was inspired to write `The Star-Spangled Banner,` and the Statue of Liberty, a symbol of freedom and democracy, travelers can visit the historic Gettysburg Battlefield in Pennsylvania and the Hoover Dam near Las Vegas.
Best Time to Go:
The ideal times to embark on this classic American Road Trip are spring or fall when travelers can enjoy moderate temperatures and nature’s changing colors. These seasons also typically offer fewer tourists at popular attractions and more comfortable driving conditions.
Potential Risks:
While the historic Lincoln Highway has been modernized over the years, drivers should still be prepared for a range of conditions, including sudden weather changes, particularly in the plains and mountain states. Planning ahead for accommodations is wise due to varying distances between towns, and keeping a well-maintained vehicle is crucial for the more remote stretches of the journey.
Facts for Roadtrippers:
Budget-wise, the Trip is accessible, with a range of accommodation options, from camping to hotels, and dining choices that cater to all tastes. The journey offers insight into the development of America's transportation infrastructure, showcasing the evolution of the nation's first coast-to-coast Road and celebrating the Road Trip as a cultural milestone.
A good choice for:
The Lincoln Highway Road Trip is an immersive and quintessentially American experience, providing an unparalleled opportunity to create lifelong memories. It's an enriching adventure for Road Trip aficionados, history enthusiasts, and anyone looking to witness the vast beauty and complex narrative of the United States.
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