Established in 1956, the Dwight D. Eisenhower National System of Interstate and Defense Highways revolutionized travel in the United States, allowing for seamless traffic across the country. By 1992, nearly 45 thousand miles of roadway had been constructed, representing a significant milestone in American transportation infrastructure.
Aside from the Interstate System, the United States has a vast network of roads linking cities and major towns, many of which have been vital to the country’s transportation environment since the inception of the United States Numbered Highway System in 1926.
Interstates, a subset of these routes, are distinguished by their improved infrastructure, which includes entry and exit ramps that allow for higher speed limits and better travel experiences. Interstates, which lack shops, pedestrian crossings, and traffic signals, are preferred by passengers looking for speedy point-to-point trips with few interruptions.
List of the 10 Longest Highways in the United States
The 10 longest highways in the US include:
- US Route 20 (3,365 miles)
- US Route 6 (3,207 miles)
- Interstate 90 (3,102 miles)
- US Route 30 (3,073 miles)
- US Route 50 (3,011 miles)
- Interstate 80 (2,899 miles)
- US Route 60 (2,670 miles)
- US Route 2 (2,580 miles)
- Interstate 40 (2,555 miles)
- US Route 12 (2,483 miles)
1. US Route 20
US Route 20 is the longest in the United States, spanning 3365 miles and linking the hectic metropolitan landscapes of Boston, Massachusetts, to the tranquil coastal splendor of Newport, Oregon. This transcontinental route runs east to west across the country, passing through landscapes and settlements in 12 states.
US Route 20 begins its voyage on the east coast in Boston and travels through the historic streets of Massachusetts before entering New York, where it passes through notable locations such as Albany and Syracuse. As it travels westward, the route passes through the scenic landscapes of rural Pennsylvania and Ohio, crossing thriving towns such as Cleveland and Toledo.
US Route 20 enters the Midwest, passing through the industrial landscapes of Indiana and the vast farmlands of Illinois. It then travels into Iowa, displaying the state’s undulating hills and green plains, before approaching the enormous expanse of Nebraska.
Ascending into the Rocky Mountains, US Route 20 takes tourists through Wyoming’s harsh terrain, affording stunning views of snow-capped peaks and unspoiled nature. Continuing westward, the route passes through the breathtaking landscapes of Montana, skirting the boundaries of notable national parks such as Yellowstone.
Entering the Pacific Northwest, US Route 20 passes through the beautiful magnificence of Idaho, with its towering mountains and glistening lakes, before arriving at the coastal splendor of Newport, Oregon. Along the trip, the highway passes through several areas of interest, including Yellowstone National Park, where it momentarily concedes to the park’s internal roadways before continuing westward.
As a key component of the United States Numbered Highways system, US Route 20 connects the Pacific Northwest and New England, symbolizing the spirit of discovery and connectedness that distinguishes American road travel. Its designation with a “0” following the route number emphasizes its importance as a major coast-to-coast road.
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2. US Route 6
US Route 6 is the second longest route in the United States, spanning 3207 miles and beginning in the beautiful seaside hamlet of Provincetown, Massachusetts. US Route 6 begins its cross-country journey at the point of Cape Cod Bay, where the Atlantic Ocean meets the rough shoreline.
US Route 6 winds its way throughout the nation’s heartland, passing through a variety of landscapes, cultures, and villages on its route to its western end in Bishop, California. From charming New England’s coastal villages to the rough splendor of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, the roadway provides a look into America’s rich geographical and cultural legacy.
US Route 6 was founded in 1926 and has undergone various route changes throughout the years, with the most noteworthy extension coming between 1936 and 1964. During this time, the roadway ran from Bishop to the sun-drenched beaches of Long Beach, California, making it the longest highway in the country. However, in 1964, California reconfigured its highway system, reassigning parts of Route 6 to other thoroughfares and relegating US Route 6 to its current status as the second longest route.
Despite its reduced length, US Route 6 remains an important lifeline for the communities it serves, connecting bustling urban areas to distant rural villages and all in between. From the busy streets of Boston to the sun-soaked vistas of California’s Eastern Sierra, US Route 6 takes tourists on an extraordinary trip through the heart of America, highlighting the country’s rich variety and natural beauty at every step.
3. Interstate 90
At 3102 miles, Interstate 90 (I-90) is America’s third-longest roadway and the nation’s longest interstate. Its trip begins in the ancient streets of Boston, Massachusetts, and continues across the continent to the lively metropolis of Seattle, Washington.
Interstate 90 meanders across a variety of landscapes as it crosses the United States from coast to coast. It passes through several states along the way, including the breathtaking landscapes of Washington, the majestic peaks of Montana’s Rocky Mountains, and the expansive plains of the Midwest.
One of the highway’s most remarkable characteristics is its crossing of three major mountain passes, each with its own set of obstacles and spectacular views. In Washington, I-90 overcomes the daunting Snoqualmie Pass, which pierces through the steep landscape of the Cascades at a height of 3022 feet. Further east, Lookout Pass borders the Idaho-Montana border, tucked among the high peaks of the Rocky Mountains and rising to a height of 4710 feet.
However, the Continental Divide marks the peak of I-90’s arduous trip, as the route ascends to its highest point near Butte, Montana. At Homestake Pass, Interstate 90 passes the Divide’s intimidating barrier, rising to an elevation of 6329 feet and providing passengers with breathtaking views of the surrounding wilderness.
Interstate 90 is more than simply a highway for passengers. With its huge length and diverse topography, I-90 exemplifies the enduring heritage of America’s highway system and the limitless opportunities it provides to people who travel along its legendary course.
4. US Route 30
With a length of 3073 miles, US Route 30 is the fourth longest route in the United States, connecting the busy seaside enticement of Atlantic City, New Jersey, to the scenic coastal hamlet of Astoria, Oregon.
The route runs across the country, weaving its way through a patchwork of various landscapes and cultural treasures. US Route 30 traverses several states and regions, providing tourists with a view of America’s geographical and historical past.
Notably, substantial segments of Route 30 have been connected to the interstate system, improving connection and providing easier travel experiences for travelers. Unlike its cousin, US Route 66, which was decommissioned in 1985, Route 30 remains an important artery of the nation’s highway system.
One of the most notable features of US Route 30 is its alignment with the historic Lincoln Highway, the first route to cross the whole United States. The Lincoln Highway was established in 1913 and recognized as Route 30 between Wyoming and Pennsylvania in 1926, confirming its role in American transportation history.
US Route 30 travels across Oregon, from the picturesque coastal town of Astoria to the Idaho border at Ontario, providing visitors with spectacular views of the Pacific Northwest’s rocky coastline and lush woods. In Ohio, the roadway becomes a four-lane thoroughfare with restricted access, intersecting with state roads like SR 172 and SR 241, which connect to other significant highways and attractions.
Motorists in North Central Ohio may expect higher speed limits along US Route 30, with portions from Bucyrus to Mansfield reaching 70 mph, improving efficiency and cutting travel times for commuters and travelers alike.
US Route 30 is more than simply a highway; whether traveling along the historic Lincoln Highway or navigating modern interstate networks, Route 30 provides an exciting trip into the heart of America’s landscapes and history.
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5. US Route 50
US Route 50, which spans an astonishing 3011 miles, is the fifth longest route in the United States, taking you from the sun-kissed coastline of Ocean City, Maryland, to the bustling cityscape of West Sacramento, California.
One of Route 50’s distinguishing traits is its reputation as the “Loneliest Road in America” as it traverses the wide expanse of Nevada. This phrase, coined by Life Magazine in 1986, emphasizes the highway’s passage through harsh desert landscapes, which stretch for hundreds of miles without encountering major human areas. Despite its lonesome image, US Route 50 crosses numerous noteworthy towns and sites in Nevada, including Baker, Ely, Eureka, Austin, Fallon, Dayton, and Carson City, each with its distinct attractions and places of interest.
In addition to its picturesque splendor, Route 50 acts as a gateway to a plethora of natural wonders and historic places. Travelers may tour national parks, underground caverns, museums, and the relics of historic trains as they pass through Baker, Austin, Dayton, Carson City, and Ely.
US Route 50 embodies the spirit of American road travel. From the seclusion of Nevada’s desert to the busy streets of California’s capitol, Route 50 creates a tapestry of experiences, encouraging visitors to embark on an exciting trip through the heart of America.
6. Interstate 80
Interstate 80 (I-80) is the sixth longest highway in the United States, stretching 2899 miles from the bustling streets of Teaneck, New Jersey, which is part of the New York Metropolitan Area, to the iconic cityscape of San Francisco.
As one of the country’s main arteries, I-80 connects two of the major metropolitan regions on opposing coastlines. Its voyage concludes in the center of San Francisco, where the highway crosses the spectacular San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge, which represents the merger of East and West.
Interstate 80 travels through a variety of prominent communities, each adding to the highway’s cultural and economic significance. I-80 connects the busy metropolis of New York City to the industrial powerhouse of Cleveland, Ohio, and the famous skyline of Chicago, Illinois, facilitating trade, tourism, and cultural interaction.
Interstate 80 passes through a range of terrains, from the undulating hills of the Midwest to the steep mountains of the West. Notably, the highway reaches its highest point between Laramie and Cheyenne, Wyoming, at an elevation of 8,640 feet above sea level, marking the route’s pinnacle.
In addition to its economic and cultural significance, I-80 is critical in enabling interstate trade by acting as a crucial freight route. The route, which runs across four Mid-America Freight Coalition (MAFC) states—Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio—is a lifeline for industry and towns throughout the area.
Interstate 80, completed in 1956, is a testimony to American innovation and tenacity, embracing the spirit of discovery and connectedness that characterizes the country’s wide and diverse environment.
7. US Route 60
US Route 60, which stretches 2670 miles, is the seventh longest roadway in the United States, taking travelers from the sun-drenched coasts of Virginia Beach, Virginia, to the harsh landscape of Quartzsite, Arizona.
In Arizona, US Route 60 serves as a significant route in the thriving Phoenix Metropolitan Area. The route runs across metropolitan areas from Globe to Apache Junction, linking thriving communities like Gilbert, Mesa, and Tempe via the Superstition Freeway. Route 60 continues westward, becoming an interstate before diverting as Grand Avenue, providing vehicles with a picturesque drive through the outskirts of Surprise until coming to an end near the California border at Quartzsite.
US Route 60, which was constructed in 1926, is an important part of the country’s highway system, passing through a variety of landscapes and cultural attractions throughout its extensive length. From the green forests of Virginia to the scorching deserts of Arizona, the route takes tourists on a stunning trip via a variety of natural wonders and picturesque views.
For more than four decades, US Route 60 was a critical conduit for carrying commodities throughout the country, contributing significantly to the national economy.
8. US Route 2
US Route 2 spans an amazing 2580 miles and is the eighth longest roadway in the United States, taking travelers on a one-of-a-kind adventure into the country’s far north. Route 2 is divided into two different portions, one that dips out of the United States and into Canada before returning to its motherland, a separation that was anticipated when it was first established in 1926.
The western leg of US Route 2 begins in Everett, Washington, at an interchange with Interstate 5 (I-5) and State Route 529 (Maple Street). From there, the route travels eastward, passing through the gorgeous landscapes of the Pacific Northwest until arriving at I-75 at St. Ignace, Michigan, ensconced amid the scenic grandeur of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
Meanwhile, the eastern portion of Route 2 begins at Rouses Point, New York, where it crosses with US 11, before continuing on its own transcontinental journey. The highway travels through the picturesque landscapes of New England until coming to its eastern terminus at I-95 in Houlton, Maine, which marks the end of its voyage throughout the northern United States.
US Route 2 is the northernmost east-west highway in the United States, providing passengers with a unique viewpoint as it passes through isolated wilderness regions, lovely little villages, and booming urban hubs. Unlike other major east-west routes, which normally finish at zero, Route 2 violates this convention, giving it a distinct character.
In addition to its scenic beauty and geographical significance, US Route 2 connects towns and facilitates trade throughout the northern tier of the United States. US Route 2 provides passengers with an exciting journey across America’s northernmost areas, allowing adventurers to discover natural wonders and cultural riches along the route.
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9. Interstate 40
Interstate 40 (I-40) is the ninth longest roadway in the United States, covering an amazing 2555 miles from coast to coast. I-40 begins in the picturesque seaside city of Wilmington, North Carolina, and travels across the country before ending in the rugged beauty of Barstow, California.
Interstate 40 crosses or passes near numerous major cities as it travels throughout the country, providing an important conduit for both urban and rural populations. From Raleigh, North Carolina, to the colorful streets of Greensboro, Knoxville, Nashville, and Memphis, Tennessee, I-40 connects a plethora of cultural and economic areas, allowing trade, travel, and cultural interaction throughout its vast course.
The route continues westward, passing through America’s heartland, including Little Rock, Arkansas, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Amarillo, Texas, and Albuquerque, New Mexico.
I-40 is the third-longest interstate in the US, encompassing eight states: California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Tennessee, and North Carolina. Interstate 40, dubbed the “King of Trails,” is well-known for its beautiful routes and recreational options, bringing visitors from all over to experience its gorgeous landscapes and cultural treasures.
I-40 was classified as part of the National Parks and Recreational Land System in the late 1970s, emphasizing its significance as a transportation and recreation corridor.
10. US Route 12
US Route 12 is the tenth longest roadway in the United States, running 2483 miles from the bustling city of Detroit, Michigan, to the calm seaside hamlet of Aberdeen, Washington. Since its creation in 1926, course 12 has shared sections of its course with interstates 90 and 94, increasing its connection and efficiency.
Route 12 weaves its way throughout the country, passing through a variety of landscapes and cultural attractions, giving passengers an insight into America’s geographical and historical past. Route 12 passes across nine states, including Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, South Dakota, Montana, Idaho, and Washington, and serves as an important route for both local and regional transportation networks.
Route 12 is renowned for its traverse of two key mountain passes. In Montana, the route climbs the steep terrain of Lolo Pass near the Idaho border, ascending to an elevation of 5233 feet and providing motorists with stunning views of the surrounding wilderness. Route 12 also crosses the Continental Divide at MacDonald Pass, reaching a high height of 6312 feet, which adds to the highway’s visual attractiveness and geological significance.
US Route 12 is Washington’s second-longest route, spanning 430.8 miles (693.3 kilometers). Despite the fact that segments of Route 12 have been replaced by Interstates 90 and 94, the route remains an important part of the local and regional transportation networks, linking towns and supporting trade throughout the area.
From the busy streets of Detroit to the calm shores of Aberdeen, Route 12 provides tourists with a memorable trip through the heart of America.
A Table Comparios of Longest Highways in the USA
| Sr. No. | Highway Name | Length (Miles) | Passing Locations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | US Route 20 | 3,365 | Boston, MA; Cleveland, OH; Chicago, IL; Yellowstone National Park |
| 2 | US Route 6 | 3,207 | Provincetown, MA; Denver, CO; Los Angeles, CA |
| 3 | I-90 | 3,102 | Seattle, WA; Chicago, IL; Boston, MA |
| 4 | US Route 30 | 3,073 | Atlantic City, NJ; Pittsburgh, PA; Portland, OR |
| 5 | US Route 50 | 3,011 | Ocean City, MD; Kansas City, MO; Sacramento, CA |
| 6 | I-80 | 2,899 | San Francisco, CA; Salt Lake City, UT; New York, NY |
| 7 | US Route 60 | 2,670 | Virginia Beach, VA; Louisville, KY; Amarillo, TX |
| 8 | US Route 2 | 2,580 | Bangor, ME; Chicago, IL; Seattle, WA |
| 9 | I-40 | 2,555 | Barstow, CA; Albuquerque, NM; Nashville, TN |
| 10 | US Route 12 | 2,483 | Detroit, MI; Missoula, MT; Aberdeen, WA |
Conclusion
To summarize, the extensive network of US highways, which includes some of the nation’s longest and most iconic roads, serves as a vital lifeline connecting communities, facilitating commerce, and providing travelers with unforgettable journeys through the country’s diverse landscapes and cultural landmarks.
From the historic Route 20, which spans the country from Boston, Massachusetts, to Newport, Oregon, to the rugged beauty of Interstate 80, which runs from coast to coast, each highway has its own distinct blend of scenic beauty, historical significance, and cultural heritage.
US roads such as Route 6, Route 30, Route 50, Route 60, Route 2, Route 40, and Route 12 represent the spirit of American discovery and adventure, whether they weave through crowded urban areas, cross towering mountain ranges, or meander along tranquil seaside roadways.
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FAQs
Which Highway Is the Longest in the USA?
US Route 20, part of the US Numbered Highway System, is the longest road in America. U.S. Route 20 covers 3,365 miles from Boston, Massachusetts, to Newport, Oregon. It is currently the longest highway in the country.
What are the 2nd Longest Interstate Highways in the US?
Interstate 80 (I-80) is an east-west transcontinental freeway in the United States. It is the second-longest Interstate Highway in the United States, following I-90.
Which Is the Longest Highway in the World?
The longest road in the world is the Pan-American Highway, which begins in Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, and stretches all the way down to Ushuaia, Argentina. All in all, the road covers 30,000 km.
What Is the Most Traveled Highway in the US?
Interstate 5 (I-5) is the busiest highway in the United States, with almost half a million vehicles every day.
