The Quickest Mode of Transportation from New York City to Los Angeles: Beyond Flying and Driving Non-Stop

Traveling from New York City to Los Angeles is a mammoth task when you eliminate the most common methods like air travel and driving non-stop. In this comprehensive guide, we explore various transportation options and deduce which one could be the quickest means to embark on this remarkable journey without flying or driving non-stop.

Exploring Alternatives

Let's examine the options in detail:

1. Air Travel - Out of the Question

Air travel is often the fastest and most convenient method, but since air travel is excluded, we must look elsewhere.

2. Driving - Not a Viable Option

Due to the vast distance between New York City and Los Angeles, a drive is not feasible given the driving time and restrictions on non-stop travel. However, it can be done with planned stops, adding to the overall travel time.

3. Train Travel

Amtrak provides the only coast-to-coast rail service, but it's not the fastest. The train route takes 67 hours and 20 minutes and offers a chance to see the country. While it's a scenic journey, the non-stop nature is still a limitation.

4. Bus Travel

The fastest bus route offered by Greyhound takes 63.5 hours, making it the most practical alternative for those who wish to avoid driving or flying. With comfortable seating, meals, and rest stops, bus travel can be a viable option.

5. Bicycling

At an impressive 100 miles per day, it would take 22 days to complete the 2,245-mile route, which equates to around 528 hours. While not the quickest, it provides a unique adventure.

6. Motorcycle Travel

At 300 miles per day, a motorcycle trip would take 7 days, or approximately 168 hours, making it a bit more feasible than biking.

7. Walking

Walking is likely the slowest method, taking significantly longer than any other combination. It's not a practical option for the quickest route.

8. Ballooning

Balloons are exceedingly slow due to wind currents and are not a practical method for long-distance travel.

Final Verdict

The fastest route, considering realistic and practical methods, is bus travel. It offers the quickest coast-to-coast travel time and is more comfortable than train travel. Renting a car and driving, while non-stop, is also an option but it's often more expensive.

Rail Travel Details

For those who enjoy the comfort of train travel and the experience of connecting with fellow passengers, consider the following options:

Amtrak offers a 3-night sleeper service from LAX to Chicago and from Chicago to NYC. While this service is expensive and can sell out quickly, it provides a luxurious experience.

For people who are on a budget, the train is an excellent option. Still, it's important to remember that while you'll be saving on the cost of a car and lodging, you'll spend quite a bit of time on the train and may not prefer to sleep on it.

Self-Drive Route

The self-drive route involves a 40-hour drive over multiple days. Here's the suggested route:

Start in New York City and head west on I-78 to south on I-81 to Chattanooga, Tennessee.West on I-40 to its end at Barstow, on I-15 to Ontario, then west on I-10 to Los Angeles.

This route allows for planned stops and rest, making the journey more comfortable and practical.

In conclusion, while bus travel is the fastest and most practical method, train travel and self-drive routes are also feasible. Each option has its pros and cons, and the choice largely depends on the traveler's preferences and budget.