The Cost of Driving from Anaheim to Santa Monica: Current Gas Prices

If you're looking to take a road trip from Anaheim to Santa Monica, you might be wondering how much it's going to cost you. Gas prices can vary, and there are a few different routes you can take, each with its own cost and time considerations. In this blog post, we'll break down the different routes and provide you with all the information you need to plan your trip.

Route 1: The I-5 and the I-405

The simplest and most direct route from Anaheim to Santa Monica is to take the I-5 and the I-405. This route is approximately 45 miles in length, and it should take you about an hour to drive, depending on traffic. According to GasBuddy, the current average gas price in Anaheim is $3.54 per gallon, and in Santa Monica, it's $4.09 per gallon. So, for a standard sedan that gets around 25 miles per gallon, you'll need about 2 gallons of gas to make this trip. That means your gas costs will be around $7.08 each way.

Additionally, there is a toll road option for this route - the 73 Toll Road. The toll price varies depending on the time of day and the type of vehicle you're driving, but it generally ranges from $2.62 to $13.74. So, if you're taking this route and want to avoid some of the traffic, you can take the 73 Toll Road. However, be aware that tolls can quickly add up, and you'll need to factor that into your overall cost.

Route 2: The Pacific Coast Highway

If you're looking for a more scenic route and don't mind spending a little more time on the road, consider taking the Pacific Coast Highway. This route is approximately 58 miles in length and takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes to drive. While you'll get to see some beautiful coastal scenery along the way, this route will also cost you more in gas. According to GasBuddy, the current average gas price in Anaheim is $3.54 per gallon, and in Santa Monica, it's $4.09 per gallon. For a standard sedan that gets around 25 miles per gallon, you'll need about 2.5 gallons of gas to make this trip. That means your gas costs will be around $8.85 each way.

Unlike the first route we discussed, there are no toll roads on the Pacific Coast Highway, so that's one less cost to worry about.

Route 3: The I-605 and the I-105

If you're looking to avoid some of the traffic on the I-5 and the I-405, you might consider taking the I-605 and the I-105 instead. This route is approximately 42 miles in length and takes about 45 minutes to drive, depending on traffic. According to GasBuddy, the current average gas price in Anaheim is $3.54 per gallon, and in Santa Monica, it's $4.09 per gallon. For a standard sedan that gets around 25 miles per gallon, you'll need about 1.7 gallons of gas to make this trip. That means your gas costs will be around $6.00 each way.

There are no toll roads on this route either, so you won't need to worry about that cost.

Conclusion

As you can see, the cost of driving from Anaheim to Santa Monica can vary depending on the route you take. While the I-5 and the I-405 are the most direct, they can also be the most congested. If you're looking to take a more scenic route, the Pacific Coast Highway is an excellent option, but it will cost you more in gas. And if you're looking to avoid some of the traffic, the I-605 and the I-105 are good alternatives.

No matter which route you take, be sure to factor in gas costs and any tolls when planning your trip. Safe travels!