How long will it take to drive a car around the world?

How Long Would It Take to Drive Around the World?

Conquering the ultimate road trip by driving around the world is a dream for many adventurous spirits. But how long would such an epic journey take?

Theoretical Estimate

In theory, circling the globe by car at a constant speed of 60 mph would require approximately 17.5 days of non-stop driving. This calculation is based on the Earth’s equatorial circumference of 24,901 miles. At 60 mph, it would take approximately 415 hours to cover this distance. Dividing by 24 hours a day yields 17.5 days.

Real-World Factors

However, this theoretical estimate is highly optimistic. In reality, various factors can significantly extend the driving time:

• Delays at border crossings: International border crossings can involve waiting periods, paperwork, customs inspections, and other delays.
• Traffic congestion: Major cities and heavily trafficked areas can cause substantial slowdown.
• Road closures and detours: Roadworks, accidents, weather conditions, and other events can force detours or road closures.
• Rest stops and maintenance: The human body and the vehicle itself require occasional breaks for rest, refueling, and maintenance.
• Variations in speed: Driving conditions, such as road quality, terrain, and speed limits, will vary throughout the journey, affecting the average speed.

Estimated Duration

Taking into account these real-world factors, a more realistic estimate for driving around the world would be several months or even years. The exact duration will depend on the specific route chosen, the mode of transportation, and the frequency of stops.

Conclusion

While the idea of driving around the world is alluring, it’s important to recognize that the journey would be far more arduous than the theoretical estimate of 17.5 days suggests. Factors such as delays, traffic, road conditions, and rest stops can significantly extend the driving time, making it a truly epic and unforgettable adventure.