San Francisco to New York – cities separated by 3,000 miles of mountains and prairies – it would take you more than 40 hours, if driven straight through, on interstate highways. Let’s take a more leisurely route for about 15 days to ensure you don’t miss the best spots on your journey. Hit the road and let the adventure begin.
Yosemite National Park
Stop 1
On the road from San Francisco, your first stop will be Yosemite National Park. If you have some time, we recommend you spend a minimum of 2 days there, as there are so many things to see. It’s famed for its giant, ancient sequoia trees, and for Tunnel View, the iconic vista of towering Bridalveil.
. Grand Teton National Park
Stop 2
From Yosemite National Park it is a 12 hours drive to get to the Grand Teton National Park. It’s a popular destination in the summer for mountaineering, hiking, back country camping and fishing with a wonderful view on the mountains.
Yellowstone National Park
Stop 3
Yellowstone features dramatic canyons, alpine rivers, lush forests, hot springs and gushing geysers, including its most famous, Old Faithful. It’s also home to hundreds of animal species, including bears, wolves, bison, elk and antelope. We recommend you explore this National Park for days.
Chicago
Stop 4
A long drive of 22 hours will take you from Yellowstone National Park to Chicago. The city is also renowned for its museums, including the Art Institute of Chicago, with its noted Impressionist and Post-Impressionist works.
Niagara Falls
Stop 5
From Chicago it is an 8 hour drive to get to one of the most beautiful places on Earth. You cannot miss out on Niagara Falls. To stand at the heart of Niagara, you’ll first need to descend 125 feet and explore 130-year-old tunnels through the bedrock. The observation deck at the foot of this 13-storey-tall wonder will leave you breathless!
New York
Final Stop
New York is your final destination! It is a 7 hour drive from Niagara Falls. Spend a minimum of 3 days to see the most iconic places of New York, such as the Statue of Liberty, The famous Central Park, the Empire State Building, and spend some time in Times Square.
Find other popular road trips across San Francisco
- Check Out San Francisco to Portland Road Trip
- Check Out San Francisco to Redwoods National Park Road Trip
- Check Out San Francisco to Seattle Road Trip
- Check Out San Francisco to Lake Tahoe Road Trip
- Check Out San Francisco to Crater Lake Road Trip
- Check Out San Francisco to San Diego Road Trip
- See all San Francisco road trips
Get the best rates on campervan rentals across San Francisco
Affordable road trips are just a rental away! Choosing a budget campervan rental in San Francisco gives you the opportunity to travel far and wide without financial strain. Find your perfect camper and start your adventure today!
FAQs about San Francisco to New York road trip
The drive from San Francisco to New York is a long one, with a total distance of 3373 miles (5428 km). We recommend taking this opportunity to explore some of the stops between San Francisco and New York, making the whole 15-day road trip far more enjoyable.
If you’re crossing the country from San Francisco to New York, there are some great places to stop. Start with Yosemite for big trees and mountain views. Then go to Grand Teton for hiking and peaceful lakes, and Yellowstone for geysers, waterfalls, and wildlife.
After that long stretch, Chicago is a fun place to explore museums and grab deep-dish pizza. Next, stop at Niagara Falls; it’s a must-see for the power of the water alone. End your trip in New York City with classic sights like Central Park, the Statue of Liberty, and Times Square.
Yes, you can pick up your campervan from our facility in San Francisco. Unfortunately, we don’t have a drop-off location in New York. Our drop-off facilities are in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and San Francisco.
Between San Francisco and New York, many freedom camping areas are available to spend the night or as a base to explore the surrounding areas.
We always recommend comparing different freedom camping sites beforehand to ensure they have the facilities you need. Take a look at our freedom camping guides for sites in California, Nevada, Idaho, and the USA overall.
The best time to drive from San Francisco to New York is between May and October. You’ll miss the snow and ice across the mountains and central states, and the scenery is much better in the warmer months. Summer gives you long days and reliable conditions, while early autumn means cooler weather and fewer people on the road.
Yes, especially if you are travelling outside the busiest travel seasons. Booking ahead gives you a better chance at finding an off-season deal and more space to plan a long drive like this at your own pace.
Yes. There are toll roads along the San Francisco to New York route, especially in the eastern states. As you get closer to the East Coast, you might encounter tolls on roads like the Ohio Turnpike or the Pennsylvania Turnpike.
Our Campervans
Seats 2-5
Tent Optional
Chairs Optional
Ice Box Optional
Ext. Table Opt.
Gas Cooker Opt.
