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What’s the best route from Michigan to California?

We’re from Michigan, but my daughter is moving to the West Coast for college. We’ve decided the most economical way to move her and all of her things is with a rental truck. What’s the best way to get to California from Michigan?

avatar
Jacqulyn Graber · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Starting college is an exciting and nerve-wracking time—especially if it involves a cross-country move! Of course, the exact best route from
Michigan
to
California
will depend largely on where your daughter’s college is located. In general, however, you can expect the ride to take around 35 hours (not including stops) along I-80 West.
To get from Central Michigan to Central California, you’ll travel around 2,400 miles along I-80 West. Naturally, your route will vary depending on your destination—especially since California is such a big state. Regardless, you’ll pass through several states on your way, including:
  • Illinois
  • Iowa
  • Nebraska
  • Colorado
  • Utah
  • Nevada
Fortunately, you’ll be driving through plenty of major cities and tourist sites—so there will be plenty of places to stop for the night and lots to see and do without needing to veer too far off your main path.
We also recommend checking in on your
car insurance
policy before heading out on your big trip—especially if your daughter plans to keep a car in Cali. You want to make sure you have the perfect policy, but at the very best rates available.
If you’d rather leave the hard work of gathering quotes to someone else, use
Jerry
. The Jerry app can collect quotes from dozens of top insurance companies, like Travelers, Nationwide, and Progressive, in seconds! They can even help cancel your old policy once you’ve made your pick.
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