The Cost of Driving from Altadena, California to San Diego, California

Are you planning a road trip from Altadena to San Diego? The cost of driving from one city to another can vary depending on the route you take. In this blog post, we’ll break down the cost of different routes, their distance, and the time it takes to make the journey.

Route 1: I-5 S

This is the most direct route from Altadena to San Diego, taking the I-5 freeway all the way south. The total distance is approximately 120 miles and it should take around 2 hours to complete the journey.

Gas prices in California are notoriously high, so let’s calculate the cost based on an average of $3.42 per gallon (as of October 2021). A car that gets 25 miles per gallon would require 4.8 gallons of gas to get from Altadena to San Diego. That would add up to a total cost of $16.38 in gas.

There are no tolls on this route, so the total cost of driving from Altadena to San Diego via I-5 S would be around $16.38.

Route 2: CA-73 S and I-5 S

This route takes a slightly longer path, but it might be worth considering if you want to avoid traffic or enjoy some scenic views. You’ll take the CA-73 freeway and then connect to I-5 S to complete your trip. The total distance is approximately 135 miles and it should take around 2 hours and 30 minutes to complete the journey.

Gas consumption will be higher on this route due to the increased distance, so let’s estimate an extra gallon of gas required for the journey. A car that gets 25 miles per gallon would require 5.4 gallons of gas to get from Altadena to San Diego. At $3.42 per gallon, the total cost of gas will come to $18.51.

You will also need to pay a toll for using the CA-73 freeway. The toll varies depending on the time of day and type of vehicle. For a standard 2-axle vehicle, the toll is $7.06 during peak hours and $5.34 during off-peak hours. So, the total cost of driving from Altadena to San Diego via CA-73 S and I-5 S will be around $30.91 (including gas and tolls).

Route 3: I-210 E, CA-134 W, CA-2 S, and I-5 S

This is the longest route of the three, but it might be worth considering if you want to make some stops along the way or avoid heavy traffic in certain areas. The total distance is approximately 170 miles and it should take around 3 hours to complete the journey.

Gas consumption will be higher on this route due to the increased distance, so let’s estimate an extra two gallons of gas required for the journey. A car that gets 25 miles per gallon would require 6.8 gallons of gas to get from Altadena to San Diego. At $3.42 per gallon, the total cost of gas will come to $23.28.

There are no tolls on this route, so the total cost of driving from Altadena to San Diego via I-210 E, CA-134 W, CA-2 S, and I-5 S would be around $23.28.

Final Thoughts

The cost of driving from Altadena to San Diego can vary depending on the route you take and gas prices. If you want to take the quickest and cheapest path, stick to I-5 S. If you want to avoid traffic or take some scenic drives, then CA-73 S and I-5 S might be a better choice. Lastly, if you want to explore new areas and take your time, then I-210 E, CA-134 W, CA-2 S, and I-5 S might be the best choice. Keep these factors in mind when planning your trip so that you can make the most of your journey without breaking the bank!