A Road Trip to Santa Cruz, California: Cost Based on Current Gas Prices

Summer is here and what better way to enjoy it than to hit the road and take a scenic trip. If you're living in Albuquerque, New Mexico, why not take a drive to Santa Cruz, California? This beachside city is known for its beautiful coastline, amusement parks, and diverse cuisine. But before you start your engines, let's take a look at the cost of driving from Albuquerque to Santa Cruz based on current gas prices.

The Routes

Route 1: I-40 West and I-5 North

The first route that comes to mind when driving to Santa Cruz from Albuquerque is I-40 West and I-5 North. This route is a straight drive from Albuquerque to Santa Cruz. The distance is approximately 1,218 miles and it would take approximately 18 hours of driving time to arrive at Santa Cruz. The cost of driving this route is around $174.58 based on an average gas price of $3.80/gallon. The toll prices on this route are minimal.

Route 2: I-25 North, US-80 West, and I-5 North

The second route to Santa Cruz from Albuquerque takes a different path. This time, it's I-25 North, US-80 West, and I-5 North. The total distance is about 1,297 miles and you would need to drive for about 19 hours. This route takes approximately one hour longer than the first route. However, you could save a little on gas by taking this route, which will cost around $169.18 based on an average gas price of $3.80/gallon. The toll prices are minimal for this route as well.

Route 3: I-40 West, AZ-95 North, I-10 West, and CA-1 North

The third route that you could take to Santa Cruz is a bit longer but offers a scenic route. The route passes through the Mojave desert and the Pacific Coast Highway. Starting with I-40, AZ-95 North, I-10 West, and lastly, CA-1 North, the total distance is approximately 1,885 miles and it would take approximately 28 hours to drive from Albuquerque to Santa Cruz. However, the cost of driving this route is significantly higher than other routes, at about $299.49 based on an average gas price of $3.80/gallon. Toll prices are minimal on this route as well.

Conclusion

It's always a good idea to explore different routes when taking a road trip, especially when it comes to the cost of driving. The first two routes are efficient for getting from Albuquerque to Santa Cruz, with minimal toll prices. Route 1 is the shortest and fastest route, while Route 2 may save you a few bucks on gas. Route 3 is a longer but more scenic route, but might not be worth the extra time and gas expense, depending on your budget and time constraints.

No matter which route you choose, the trip from Albuquerque to Santa Cruz is sure to be an adventure worth taking. Enjoy the scenic drive, appreciate the long stretches of road, and remember to take frequent breaks to stretch and refuel yourself and your vehicle. Safe travels!