Fastest Route from San Diego to New York

My brother and I are driving cross country, leaving from San Diego and finishing in New York City. Can anyone advise on the fastest route? We'd ideally like to do it in 6 days but could push to 7/8 if necessary. Also need to keep in mind that we'll be doing this in December, so southern/non-mountainous routes might be best to avoid getting stuck in bad weather. Would appreciate any suggestions.

Welcome to the RoadTrip America Forum!

Fortunately you've allowed yourself some time to account for bad weather. A trip from coast to coast generally takes five days by the quickest routes. In your case, that would mean sticking to the Interstates for the bulk of the drive, so roughly I-8E to AZ-85N I-10E to I-17N to I-40E to I-44E to I-70E to I-76E to I-81N to I-78E.

The chances of getting absolutely stuck on the Interstate are rather slim since they tend to be well cared for in the Winter months, especially in the Eastern states since the traffic volume is significantly heavier than the Rocky Mountain states.

Welcome aboard the RoadTrip America Forums!

As a general rule, the shortest route is also the safest route, since there is less time and distance to experience adverse weather and other (less safe) drivers. In the case of San Diego to New York, the shortest route is I-8 to Gila Bend, AZ-85 to Buckeye, I-10 to Phoenix, I-17 to Flagstaff, I-40 to Oklahoma City, I-44 to St. Louis, I-70 to Breezewood, I-76 to Harrisburg, and I-81/I-78 to New York. But that is only generally the safest route. The best route at the time you travel will depend on the weather which you can only know with any degree of certainty a couple of days before you depart. So you should also be prepared to take I-10/I-20/I-30/I-40 east to Knoxville and then either I-81 or I-95 north; or I-15 north into Utah and then either I-70 or I-80 east. Any of those routes can be driven comfortably in 6 days, but which will have the best weather, and thus be safest for your trip, cannot be known at this time.

AZBuck

Weather permitting, there is a shortcut from Phoenix to I-40 which cuts off about 30 minutes if the roads are dry, and is VERY scenic. That would be I-10 through town to AZ-202 (Red Mountain Fwy) to AZ-87 to Payson, then AZ-260/AZ-277/AZ-377/AZ-77 into Holbrook. Otherwise, just take AZ-101 around the NW side of Phoenix to I-17.

Instead of taking I-44, I'd stay on I-40 to I-81 and take that to I-78 to NYC. It cuts off a few major metros to get through and also cuts out quite a few tolls.