Fastest Drive: Portland, OR to Harlingen, TX (~2,315 mi, 35–38 hrs)

Shortest/Fastest Route: ~2,315 miles, ~35–38 hours driving (excluding stops).

Route: I-84 → I-80 → I-76 → I-25 → I-40

1. Portland → I-84 E through Columbia Gorge → Idaho.
2. Ontario, OR → I-80 E across ID, WY, NE.
3. Big Springs, NE → I-76 E to Denver.
4. Denver → I-25 S through CO, NM.
5. Santa Rosa, NM → I-40 E to Amarillo, TX.
6. I-40 E across TX Panhandle → Harlingen (I-40 ends at I-69E/US-77).

Alternate: I-5 S → I-10 E (Longer, ~2,450 mi)

West Coast → LA → Phoenix → San Antonio → Harlingen. More traffic, similar time.

Planning Tips

• Split into 3–4 days (600–750 mi/day).
• Overnight: Boise/Idaho Falls, Cheyenne/Denver, Albuquerque/Amarillo.
• Check I-80 WY closures (winter), I-40 TX wind/dust.
• Fuel in WY/NM (cheaper than CA/OR).

Always verify real-time conditions via state DOT cams/511.