Map by Reddit user TheMadcap
Ever wondered what the shortest possible route would be to visit all 48 contiguous United States?
Thanks to some brilliant mathematical optimization, we now have the answer: 113 hours of pure driving. That’s less than five days behind the wheel, though obviously you’d want to spread it out a bit longer to actually enjoy the journey and, you know, sleep occasionally.
This isn’t just a random squiggle across the map. The route has been carefully calculated using algorithms similar to those that solve the famous “traveling salesman problem.”
The goal is simple yet mind-bogglingly complex: touch every state exactly once while minimizing total distance.
What the Route Looks Like
Looking at the map, you’ll notice the route follows a logical pattern that hugs the perimeter of the country before weaving through the interior.
It’s designed to minimize backtracking and unnecessary zigzags. You’ll start on one coast and methodically work your way around, hitting major regions in clusters rather than ping-ponging randomly across the country.
The blue line snakes through everything from coastal highways to mountain passes, from sprawling plains to dense eastern forests. You’d experience an incredible diversity of landscapes, climates, and cultures all in one epic journey.
The Practical Reality
Now, 113 hours is pure driving time. Factor in gas stops, food breaks, construction delays, and the occasional wrong turn, and you’re looking at significantly more time on the road.
Most people attempting this would probably spread it over two to three weeks, turning it into a proper adventure rather than an endurance test.
You’d need to budget for fuel costs, which at current prices could easily run into the thousands of dollars. Then there’s food, lodging, vehicle maintenance, and all the unexpected expenses that come with covering roughly 13,000 miles.
Why This Matters
Beyond the nerdy satisfaction of optimization, this route represents something special about America: its sheer size and diversity. In what other country could you spend 113 hours driving and still be within the same nation’s borders?
This kind of trip has been on bucket lists for decades. Some people actually do it, often to raise money for charity or simply to check off a major life goal. Others just enjoy thinking about it, tracing the route with their finger and imagining all the places they’d stop along the way.
Whether you ever attempt this journey or not, there’s something captivating about knowing the most efficient path exists. It’s a reminder that even in our well-mapped world, there are still adventures waiting to be optimized and experienced.
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