Few thing enamour the purport of adventure quite like the vast connection of highways elongate across the United States . But have you ever inquire which road takes the crown as the longest ?
Grab your map and buckle up because we ’re about to embark on an epical road trip across thelongest road in the U.S. — and take some detours down some of the other lengthiest highways in the area .
8 Longest Highways in the U.S.
Whether a highway pass through royal spate majesty or take you from sea to sputter sea , it has to be seriously prospicient to bring down on this list .
1. U.S. Route 20 (3,365 Miles From Boston to Newport)
The heavyweight ace of highways builds on the Lincoln Highway — the first path to stretch from the East Coast to the West — with some supply stops along the fashion .
A slip down Route 20 will take you through Boston , South Bend , Boise and beyond . This road spans a thumping 3,365 miles , with an easterly terminus in Massachusetts and its last West Coast stop in Newport , Oregon .
Along the agency , you ’ll encounter a panorama of America ’s natural beauty , from the trilled hills of the Appalachian Mountains to the expansive Great Plains and proud Rocky Mountains . One of the gems along this route is Yellowstone National Park . As you push through the east entrance , you ’ll witness geysers , hot springs and wildlife that make this UNESCO World Heritage Site a bucket - listing destination .
Route 20 may be the longest main road in the country , but it ’s far from the only continent - spanning route . The longest highways in the U.S. are more than just route ; they ’re conduit of geographic expedition and connection .
2. U.S. Route 6 (3,205 Miles From Provincetown to Bishop)
U.S. Route 6 takes the silver medal as the secondly - longest highway in the U.S. , span 3,205 mil from Massachusetts to California . This ill-tempered - country journeying direct you through 14 body politic , each with its own unequaled flavour .
From the historical charm of Massachusetts to the lucky shores of California , Route 6 is a route tripper ’s ambition .
3. U.S. Route 30 (3,073 Miles from Atlantic City to Astoria)
U.S. Route 30 reaching from Atlantic City , New Jersey , to Astoria , Oregon . This main road steer you through beautiful countrysides and stunning urban landscapes likewise .
Whether you ’re cruising through the bustling cities of the East Coast or the tranquil beauty of the West , Route 30 offers an unforgettable risky venture .
4. U.S. Route 50: (3,073 Miles from Ocean City to San Francisco)
U.S. Route 50 is in a photo finish with Route 30 when it comes to claiming the bronze medal for longest main road in the United States . It also spans 3,073 miles , but this time from Ocean City , Maryland , to San Francisco , California . As you travel westward , you ’ll encounter landmarks such as the Sierra Nevada and Great Basin .
5. Interstate 90: (3,021 Miles from Boston to Seattle)
U.S. Route 90 connects the east coast to the west coast , set forth in Massachusetts and ending in Washington state . This main road is a lifeline for road misstep and scenic drive , offering a front - course seat to the beauty of the American landscape .
With its west entree near the Pacific Ocean , Route 90 invites travelers to explore the coastal wonders of the western United States .
6. Interstate 80: (2,901 Miles from Teaneck to San Francisco)
Interstate 80 is a major east - west road that run through 11 State Department , set about from Teaneck , New Jersey , and terminating in San Francisco .
With its various terrain and endless chance for exploration , Route 80 is a traveler ’s delight . Salt Lake City , snuggle along this route , offers a vibrant urban experience amidst a backdrop of sensational natural beauty .
7. U.S. Route 60: (2,665 Miles from Virginia Beach to Brenda)
U.S. Route 60 is a scenic marvel , winding its style through the Appalachian Mountains , a mountain chain that stretches from Canada to Alabama . This highway offers breathless views of the mountains and the landscapes that surround them . The route excrete from the southern states all the agency out to the painted comeuppance of the Southwest .
8. U.S. Route 66: (2,448 Miles from Chicago to Los Angeles)
No list of America ’s retentive highways would be staring without a nod to the iconic U.S. Route 66 . traverse 2,448 miles from Chicago , Illinois , to Los Angeles , California , this road is an inspiring symbolisation of freedom and adventure .
It passes through eight states and is a favourite for route stumble and scenic drive . The historic path deserves its title as the " Main Street of America . "
History and Development of the U.S. Highway System
The U.S. highway organisation is a monumental feat of engineering and imagination : a web of major eastward - west itinerary crisscrossing the nation , linking the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean , with each highway telling its own story .
Over the years , the system has grown and conform to meet the need of a changing world , form how we live , work , and explore . Nowadays , there ’s a state route or interstate highway for just about everywhere you need to go . But it was n’t always this way .
A Brief History of Highway Development
The Model T ford debuted in 1908 , but it took almost twenty years before roads spanning the continent began to sprout up . In 1926 , the American Association of State Highway and Transportation official make the U.S. Numbered Highway System we still utilise to this day . But it was n’t until the Eisenhower government activity that it began to attain its full potential .
Fast forwards to 1956 , when the chairman signed the Interstate Highway Act was signed into law . It revolutionized locomotion by connecting major cities and urban sphere with a control grid of degenerate , effective road known as Interstate and Defense Highways .
The leave Interstate Highway System streamlined how apace you could speed through your own DoS or make it from Portland , Maine , to Portland , Oregon . It also improved handiness to remote areas .
Since then , the highway system has develop with new routes and improvements , adapting to the ever - changing needs of America ’s travelers .
The Importance of Highways to the U.S. Economy
Highways are the lifeline of the U.S. economy . They play a important role in the transportation of goods and people . They are the mum heroes that endorse the movement of everything from fresh produce to kin vacations . Beyond transportation , the mental synthesis and sustenance of these roads make occupation , and shake up local economies .
The economic encroachment is especially notable in cities like Kansas City and Sioux City . Without train lines , jet deliveries and long roadstead like these , goods incur on the coasts would take so much longer to get from the middle of the nation than they in reality do .
We produce this clause in conjunction with AI engineering , then made sure it was fact - checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor in chief .
