The Cost of a Road Trip Between Anaheim, California and Kirkland, Washington

With the summer season just around the corner, many people are planning their next adventure. Road trips continue to be a popular choice for families, solo travelers, and groups of friends. For those thinking about embarking on a journey from Anaheim, California to Kirkland, Washington, the good news is that there are several routes available. Each one has its own pros and cons that can impact the overall cost of the trip.

Route 1: I-5 North

One of the most popular routes for those traveling from Southern California to the Pacific Northwest is to take I-5 North. This route spans roughly 1,160 miles and takes approximately 19 hours to complete with average traffic. This route will take drivers through iconic American cities like Los Angeles, Sacramento, and San Francisco before crossing the border between California and Oregon.

The cost of gas will largely depend on the vehicle's fuel efficiency and the current price of gas. On average, drivers can expect to pay about $120 for a one-way trip and $240 for a round trip when factoring in gas alone. However, tolls and other expenses like food and lodging can quickly add up, causing the overall cost to skyrocket.

Route 2: US-101 North

An alternative route to consider is US-101 North, which runs parallel to the coast. This route is longer, at approximately 1,270 miles, but takes around the same amount of time as I-5 when taking into account traffic conditions. One of the benefits of taking this route is that it provides drivers with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and other scenic vistas that the West Coast is famous for.

Similar to I-5, the cost of gas for this route hovers around $120 for a one-way trip. However, drivers will also need to pay for tolls and any excursions they may want to make along the way. Depending on the itinerary, costs for this route can be significantly higher than those on I-5.

Route 3: I-84 East

For those who want to experience a different kind of scenery, I-84 East is a viable option. Drivers will start by traveling north on I-5 before heading east in Portland, Oregon. This route is longer than the first two options with a distance of approximately 1,350 miles. However, it also provides the opportunity for drivers to enjoy the scenic views of the Columbia River and cross the iconic Bridge of the Gods.

While the cost of gas for this route is consistent with I-5 and US-101, drivers will need to factor in additional expenses related to tolls, food, and lodging. With that being said, this route offers a diverse set of landscapes and natural wonders that makes the journey worthwhile.

Recommended Route

Of the three routes listed above, we recommend taking I-5 North. This route offers the most direct path between the two cities while also being the most economical. Although it can face heavy traffic at times, the route has several options for food and lodging. Additionally, it allows drivers to stop and visit iconic cities like San Francisco or Sacramento before they cross the border into Oregon.

Conclusion

Traveling from Anaheim, California to Kirkland, Washington is a long journey. However, with the right planning and preparation, it can be a memorable one. The most economical and recommended route is taking I-5 North. This will not only save drivers money on gas but also provide them with the opportunity to explore some well-known cities during their journey. Overall, this trip will likely cost between $500 to $800 depending on the itinerary and other expenses.