Travel Time: U.S. West Coast to Maryland

Travel time from the West Coast (e.g., Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle) to Maryland (Baltimore/DC area) varies by mode:

• By Air (Nonstop): 5–6 hours flight time (LAX/BWI or DCA); total door-to-door ~8–10 hours.
• By Train (Amtrak): ~70–80 hours (3–3.5 days) via Capitol Limited (Chicago) or Southwest Chief + connection; multiple stops.
• By Car: ~2,800–2,900 miles (4,500–4,650 km); 40–45 hours pure driving. Realistically 4–5 days with rest, fuel, meals, sleep. Major routes: I-40, I-70, or I-80.

Flying is by far the most practical for most travelers.