Phoenix AZ to NYC : Leave March 26 and arrive March 30

[coltsneck07722]

Have to drive cross country on above dates (no flexibility) and am worried about weather. Any suggestions re better routes to take that will still get me to NYC by the 30th? I am hoping to be able to do this by driving 500 - 600 miles per day but can push it a bit more if absolutely necessary.

[Lifemagician]

Hi, and Welcome to the great American Roadtrip Froum.

This is a 2400 mile trip and four long days on the road.

The best way to deal with weather is to check the forecast before your departure, avoiding any routes which show signs of winter weather coming. Keep an eye on the weather each day while you are on the road. Should you strike any adverse conditions, be prepared to sit it out till conditions improve, then continue on your way.

Remember one thing I heard not so long ago..... Choose safety over schedule. Better late than dead on time!

Lifey

[glc]

I recognize the name and zip code - is that where you are going? (I grew up in Red Bank)

Fastest route should be as good as any, and it can be done in 4 long days, leaving you with an extra day in case of problems. No reason to try to do this any faster.

Your choice coming out of Phoenix - the back way up AZ-87 to Payson, then AZ-260/AZ-277/AZ-377/AZ-77 to Holbrook and I-40 (or I-17 to Flagstaff to I-40) to OKC, I-44 to STL, I-70 to PA TPK and NJ TPK, you should know what to do from there. I prefer the back way out of Phoenix, it's considerably shorter, can actually be faster, and it's very scenic.

Overnights should be targeted to Tucumcari NM, Joplin MO (wave when you go by!), and Richmond IN.

Best budget hotel in Joplin is the Microtel, it's at exit 8, turn right. It's off by itself behind Fazoli's. For dinner and/or breakfast, the Cracker Barrel is right down the street. If they are full, the Super 8 and the Days Inn are your next best 2 choices, they are on the other side of the Interstate with almost everything else. Stay away from the Motel 6, it has issues, and I'll leave it at that. If you are looking for a more upscale hotel, the Drury is probably the best deal, it's a 3 star.

[coltsneck07722]

Hi glc - I moved to AZ two years ago from Colts Neck. Will be visiting friends there - and a cousin in Red Bank. Thanks for the suggestions (route and motels). I'll definitely give you a wave near Joplin!

[DonnaR57]

In the event that weather is an obstacle, you could also use the following routes:

I-17 up to Flagstaff/I-40 (in the event that there's snow in the White Mountains of AZ)
I-40 all the way across to eastern TN (in the event that there's weather issues along 70)
(or because you want to avoid the tolls of the PA Turnpike)
I-81 north
I-80 east

We took this route back in 2011. after staying in Tempe with family, and stayed at Santa Rosa NM, Sallisaw OK, Cookeville TN, and Staunton, VA. So we took 5 days. We could have done it in 4 slightly longer days, but chose not do so.


Donna

[coltsneck07722]

Thanks Donna,
I never even thought about snow in Arizona! (That's what happens when you stay Phoenix area). Good suggestions and I appreciate your response.

[coltsneck07722]

Thanks for the info.

[glc]

If you take Donna's alternate you would want to take I-78 instead of I-80 if you are going to Colts Neck. I-80 would take you into NYC via the GWB. I-78 goes to the Holland Tunnel, and would take you to Colts Neck via I-287 and NJ-18.

[DonnaR57]

Coltsneck, I used to live in AZ too. One time I was headed up to I-40 and was going to go through Snowflake until I read in the newspaper that there was snow in them-there hills! The last time I went through Flagstaff on I-17 and I-40, it was snowing (and I had a van full of high school kids with 2 other vehicles following me). We were so glad when we got lower in elevation and the snow went away so we could drive easier!


Donna