A Road Trip From Albany to Boardman: How Much Would it Really Cost You?

Road trips are a fantastic way to take in all that Oregon has to offer, from the scenic views to the endless attractions. One popular route is driving from Albany to Boardman. Whether you're visiting for the weekend or just passing through, it's worth considering the cost of the trip based on current gas prices.

Taking the Fastest Route

The quickest route takes you down I-5 South towards Salem, before connecting with I-84 East. The distance from Albany to Boardman is approximately 218 miles and it takes around 3 hours and 38 minutes to complete.

Assuming a gas mileage of 25 miles per gallon and an average gas price of $2.50 per gallon, you'd spend around $43.60 on gas alone. Additionally, there are tolls along the route that can add up to about $8.50. So the total cost of the trip would be around $52.10.

The Scenic Route

For those in no rush, taking a more scenic route with stops in small towns can be quite enjoyable. One of the options is to take US-20 W west until you reach Pendleton. From there, you'll connect with I-84 West which will take you into Boardman. This route is a bit longer, 216 miles, but takes around 4 hours and 10 minutes.

With the same gas mileage and gas price assumptions, you'd spend about $43.20 on gas but no tolls apply on this route. The total cost of the trip would be around $43.20.

Exploring the Columbia River Gorge

Another scenic route to consider is taking Highway 30 through the Columbia River Gorge. This route is one of the most breathtaking drives in the country, and it's only a few miles longer than the fastest route. This route takes approximately 4 hours and 20 minutes.

Assuming the same gas mileage and gas price, you'd spend around $44.13 on gas, and since there are no tolls on this route, the total cost of the trip would be around $52.43.

So, What's the Real Cost?

In conclusion, the cost of driving from Albany to Boardman depends on the route you take and how much you're willing to spend. Choosing the fastest route the cost would be around $52.10, whereas taking the scenic path with Highway 30 saves you over $9 on this price. Don't forget about gas prices, tolls, and the distance of your route. So, make your plans and enjoy the ride!