Top 10 Longest Highways in the USA
Top 10 Longest Highways in the USA: US Route 20 is the longest road in the United States. It is part of the larger US Numbered Highway System. US Route 20 is an important highway system of the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956 aka the Dwight D. Eisenhower National System of Interstate and Defense Highways. This highway covers around 41,000 miles across the country, with Route 20 alone. This highway is 3,365 miles long and passes through 12 states: Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, and Massachusetts.
In this article, we are going to discuss the Top 10 Longest Highways in the USA in detail.
Let us discuss.
Table of Content
- Top 10 Longest Highways in the USA – Overview
- 10. U.S. Route 12 – 2,483 Miles
- 9. I-40 – 2,555 Miles
- 8. U.S. Route 2 – 2,580 Miles
- 7. U.S. Route 60 – 2,670 Miles
- 6. I-80 – 2,899 Miles
- 5. U.S. Route 50 – 3,011 Miles
- 4. U.S. Route 30 – 3,073 Miles
- 3. I-90 – 3,102 Miles
- 2. U.S. Route 6 – 3,207 Miles
- 1. U.S. Route 20 – 3,365 Miles
Top 10 Longest Highways in the USA – Overview
The USA has lots of long roads and they are divided into two categories interstates and other highways. The USA is a big country and now the US has the longest highway system in the world. Currently, there are 194 active US routes, resulting in a total of 388 endpoints. Here in this table, we have mentioned the longest highways of the USA as mentioned below.
Top 10 Longest Highways in the USA – Overview |
||
---|---|---|
Highway Name |
Length (Miles) |
Passing Locations |
US Route 20 |
3,365 |
Boston, MA; Cleveland, OH; Chicago, IL; Yellowstone National Park |
US Route 6 |
3,207 |
Provincetown, MA; Denver, CO; Los Angeles, CA |
I-90 |
3,102 |
Seattle, WA; Chicago, IL; Boston, MA |
US Route 30 |
3,073 |
Atlantic City, NJ; Pittsburgh, PA; Portland, OR |
US Route 50 |
3,011 |
Ocean City, MD; Kansas City, MO; Sacramento, CA |
I-80 |
2,899 |
San Francisco, CA; Salt Lake City, UT; New York, NY |
US Route 60 |
2,670 |
Virginia Beach, VA; Louisville, KY; Amarillo, TX |
US Route 2 |
2,580 |
Bangor, ME; Chicago, IL; Seattle, WA |
I-40 |
2,555 |
Barstow, CA; Albuquerque, NM; Nashville, TN |
US Route 12 |
2,483 |
Detroit, MI; Missoula, MT; Aberdeen, WA |
10. U.S. Route 12 – 2,483 Miles
U.S. Route 12 (US 12) spans across the United States as a significant east-west highway, stretching nearly 2,483 miles from Aberdeen, Washington to Detroit, Michigan. Established in 1926, US 12 traverses through Idaho, Montana, the Dakotas, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Indiana. Notably, in Washington alone, US 12 extends for 430.8 miles (693.3 km), ranking as the state’s second-longest highway. Although portions of US 12 have been supplanted by Interstates 90 and 94, it remains vital for local and regional travel networks.
U.S. Route 12 – 2,483 Miles |
|
---|---|
Length |
2,483 Miles |
Start Point |
Aberdeen, Washington |
End Point |
Detroit, Michigan |
States Crossed |
Washington, Idaho, Montana, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan |
Completion Year |
Portions completed between 1926 and 1932, with continuous completion over subsequent years |
Notable Features |
Mount Rainier National Park (Washington), Yellowstone National Park (Wyoming), Mississippi River crossing (Minnesota), Chicago (Illinois), Detroit (Michigan) |
9. I-40 – 2,555 Miles
Interstate 40 (I-40) is a significant east-west highway in the United States, ranking as the third-longest interstate in the country. It spans a distance of 2,555 miles, running from Barstow, California, all the way to Wilmington, North Carolina. Passing through eight states including California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Tennessee, and North Carolina, I-40 is often referred to as the “King of Trails.” Recognized for its scenic routes and recreational opportunities, I-40 was designated by Congress in the late 1970s as part of the National Parks and Recreational Land system.
I-40 – 2,555 Miles |
|
---|---|
Length |
2,555 Miles |
Start Point |
Barstow, California |
End Point |
Wilmington, North Carolina |
States Crossed |
California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Tennessee, North Carolina |
Nickname |
“King of Trails” |
Designation |
Designated as part of the National Parks and Recreational Land system by Congress in the late 1970s |
Read More: US State Capitals List
8. U.S. Route 2 – 2,580 Miles
U.S. Route 2 (US 2) stretches 2,571 miles (4,138 kilometers) east to west across the northern part of the United States. It’s a significant highway within the United States Numbered Highway System, which organizes roads across the country. The western section of US 2 starts at an interchange with Interstate 5 (I-5) and State Route 529 (Maple Street) in Everett, Washington, and ends at I-75 in St. Ignace, Michigan. On the other hand, the eastern part begins at US 11 in Rouses Point, New York, and ends at I-95 in Houlton, Maine. US 2 holds the distinction of being the northernmost east-west U.S. Highway. Unlike other primary east-west highways, which typically end in zero, US 2 avoids this pattern. Some parts of US 2 in New England were previously known as New England Route 15.
U.S. Route 2 – 2,580 Miles |
|
---|---|
Route Length |
2,580 Miles |
Start Point |
Everett, Washington |
End Point |
St. Ignace, Michigan |
States Crossed |
Washington, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan |
Completion Year |
Portions completed between 1926 and 1934, with continuous completion over subsequent years |
Notable Features |
Glacier National Park (Montana), Hiawatha National Forest (Michigan), Lake Michigan |
7. U.S. Route 60 – 2,670 Miles
U.S. Route 60 (US 60) is a big highway that goes from Arizona to Virginia, covering about 2,655 miles. It was finished in 1926 and is one of the major routes in the US Highway System. Originally, it was supposed to be called US 62. US 60 takes you through forests, red deserts, and other beautiful landscapes. For more than 40 years, it was a vital road for shipping goods across the country. But now, Interstate 10 (I-10) handles most of that, while State Route 60 (SR-60) remains an important road connecting Los Angeles with the Inland Empire.
U.S. Route 60 – 2,670 Miles |
|
---|---|
Route Length |
2,670 Miles |
Start Point |
Newport News, Virginia |
End Point |
Brenda, Arizona |
States Crossed |
Virginia, West Virginia, Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona |
Completion Year |
Different segments completed at various times |
Notable Features |
Runs through major cities like Louisville, KY and Phoenix, AZ. Cuts through the Appalachian Mountains and passes by the Grand Canyon. |
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6. I-80 – 2,899 Miles
Interstate 80 (I-80) is a super long freeway stretching from San Francisco, California, all the way to Teaneck, New Jersey. It spans about 2,900 miles and was completed in 1956, making it one of the longest highways in the U.S. I-80 passes through four states in the Mid-America Freight Coalition (MAFC): Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio. The highest point along I-80 is between Laramie and Cheyenne, reaching 8,640 feet above sea level, making it the highest spot along the entire road.
I-80 – 2,899 Miles |
|
---|---|
Length |
2,899 Miles |
Start Point |
San Francisco, California |
End Point |
Teaneck, New Jersey |
Completion Year |
1956 |
States Crossed |
California, Nevada, Utah, Wyoming, Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey |
Highest Point |
Between Laramie and Cheyenne, 8,640 feet above sea level |
Notable Feature |
Longest highways in the U.S. |
Read More: What is the National Animal of USA?
5. U.S. Route 50 – 3,011 Miles
US Route 50 is a really long road that goes from California to Maryland, cutting through a bunch of states in between. In Nevada, it’s called “The Loneliest Road in America” because it’s not super busy, but there are still cool things to see like national parks, caves, museums, and old railways in towns like Baker, Austin, Dayton, Carson City, and Ely.
U.S. Route 50 – 3,011 Miles |
|
---|---|
Route Length |
3,011 Miles |
Start Point |
West Sacramento, California |
End Point |
Ocean City, Maryland |
States Crossed |
California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, West Virginia, Maryland |
Nevada Portion Length |
408 miles (657.9 km) |
Completion Year |
1926 |
Nickname |
“The Loneliest Road in America” (Nevada portion) |
Significant Features |
Great Basin National Park and Lehman Caves (Baker), museums and antique shops (Austin), museum and town trail (Dayton), museum and the V&T railway (Carson City), Nevada railway (Ely) |
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4. U.S. Route 30 – 3,073 Miles
US Route 30 (US 30) is a big highway stretching across the U.S. It is about 3,073 miles long and was finished in 1926. In Oregon, it goes from Astoria to the Idaho border near Ontario. In Ohio, it connects with SR 172 and turns into a four-lane highway with restricted access. It also connects with SR 241, giving access to SR 93. In North Central Ohio, the speed limit on US 30 from Bucyrus to Mansfield will be increased to 70 mph.
U.S. Route 30 – 3,073 Miles |
|
---|---|
Length |
3,073 Miles |
Completion Year |
1926 |
States Traversed |
Oregon, Ohio |
Oregon Route |
Astoria to Idaho border near Ontario |
Ohio Interchanges |
SR 172, SR 241 |
Ohio Highway |
Becomes four-lane with limited access |
Speed Limit |
Increased to 70 mph from Bucyrus to Mansfield |
Read More: Currency of United States
3. I-90 – 3,102 Miles
Interstate 90 (I-90) is America’s longest highway, spanning 3,102 miles from Seattle, WA to Boston, MA. It crosses diverse landscapes, from the West Coast to the East Coast, passing through states like Washington, Montana, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, and Massachusetts. Starting in Seattle, it traverses mountains, plains, and urban areas like Chicago and Buffalo, following the path of the old Erie Canal before reaching its endpoint near Logan Airport in Boston.
I-90 – 3,102 Miles |
|
---|---|
Length |
3,102 Miles |
Start Point |
Seattle, WA |
End Point |
Boston, MA |
States Traversed |
Washington, Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Massachusetts |
Major Cities Along the Route |
Seattle, WA; Spokane, WA; Missoula, MT; Billings, MT; Rapid City, SD; Sioux Falls, SD; Mitchell, SD; Sioux City, IA; Albert Lea, MN; Rochester, MN; La Crosse, WI; Madison, WI; Milwaukee, WI; Rockford, IL; Chicago, IL; Gary, IN; South Bend, IN; Toledo, OH; Cleveland, OH; Erie, PA; Buffalo, NY; Albany, NY; Springfield, MA; Worcester, MA; Boston, MA |
2. U.S. Route 6 – 3,207 Miles
U.S. Route 6 (US 6) is a long highway that crosses the United States, going from Provincetown, Massachusetts to Bishop, California. It was finished in 1926 and spans 3,207 miles. The highway has changed routes a few times, but from 1936 to 1964, it stretched all the way to Long Beach, California, making it the longest highway in the country during that time.
U.S. Route 6 – 3,207 Miles |
|
---|---|
Length |
3,207 miles |
Starting Point |
Provincetown, Massachusetts |
Ending Point |
Bishop, California |
States Traversed |
Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, Colorado, Utah, Nevada, California |
Major Cities |
Providence, Hartford, Scranton, Erie, Cleveland, Toledo, Des Moines, Omaha, Denver, Grand Junction, Bishop |
Notable Features |
Cape Cod, Adirondack Mountains, Great Lakes, Mississippi River, Rocky Mountains, Great Basin, Sierra Nevada Mountains |
Associated Highways |
U.S. Route 395, U.S. Route 95, U.S. Route 191, U.S. Route 40, U.S. Route 50, U.S. Route 91, U.S. Route 95 |
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1. U.S. Route 20 – 3,365 Miles
U.S. Route 20, also known as US Highway 20 (US 20), links the Pacific Northwest with New England and is a significant part of the United States Numbered Highways system. Being numbered with a “0” after the route number, US 20 is recognized as a major coast-to-coast highway. The newer Interstate 90 (I-90) runs roughly alongside the older I-90, which is the longest road in the US, stretching approximately 3,365 miles (5,415 km).
U.S. Route 20 – 3,365 Miles |
|
---|---|
Length |
3,365 miles |
Start Point |
Newport, Oregon |
End Point |
Boston, Massachusetts |
States Traversed |
Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Massachusetts |
Major Cities |
Newport, Oregon; Boise, Idaho; Idaho Falls, Idaho; Casper, Wyoming; Omaha, Nebraska; Chicago, Illinois; South Bend, Indiana; Cleveland, Ohio; Erie, Pennsylvania; Buffalo, New York; Albany, New York; Boston, Massachusetts |
Notable Landmarks |
Yellowstone National Park (Wyoming), Niagara Falls (New York), Boston Common (Massachusetts) |
Auxiliary Routes |
U.S. Route 20A, U.S. Route 20N, U.S. Route 20S, U.S. Route 20 Truck, U.S. Route 20N Alternate, U.S. Route 20X |
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FAQs – Top 10 Longest Highways in the USA
Which highway is the longest in USA?
US Route 20, part of the US Numbered Highway System, is the longest road in America.
What is the famous highway in USA?
Route 66 became one of the most famous roads in America, having been popularized in American culture through books, songs, music, magazines, movies, and television shows.
What is the longest drive 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 2 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 longest highway in 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.
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