The Cost of Driving from Atascadero, California to Phoenix, Arizona

If you're planning a road trip from Atascadero, California to Phoenix, Arizona, the first thing on your mind is probably the cost. Gas prices fluctuate frequently, making it challenging to determine how much you'll need to budget for your trip. In this article, we'll break down the cost of driving from Atascadero to Phoenix using current gas prices.

Taking the I-5 and I-10 Route

The first route you can take is by using the I-5 and I-10 highways, which are the most direct routes between Atascadero and Phoenix. The distance via this route is approximately 700 miles, which will take you around 10 to 11 hours of driving, depending on traffic conditions.

At the time of writing, the average gas price in Atascadero is $3.96 per gallon, and the price for regular unleaded gas in Arizona is around $3.20 per gallon. Given an average vehicle fuel economy of 25 miles per gallon, you can expect to need about 28 gallons of fuel for this trip, which will cost you approximately $111.

It's essential to factor in the cost of tolls if you plan to take this route. There are no tolls on the I-5, but there are several tolls along the way, which can add up. Be sure to include these in your budget.

Taking the Coastal Route

Another route you can consider is taking a scenic coastal route along the Pacific Coast Highway. This route will take you through some of California's most breathtaking views but is less direct than the I-5 and I-10 highways.

The distance via this route is approximately 900 miles, and it will take around 15 hours of driving, depending on traffic conditions. Given an average fuel economy of 25 miles per gallon, you can expect to use about 36 gallons of fuel for this trip, which will cost you approximately $143.

Unlike the I-5 and I-10 highway route, this scenic route does not have any tolls. However, the added distance could result in other costs, such as food and accommodations. Be sure to include these in your budget.

Taking the I-40 Route

Lastly, there's the option of taking the I-40 route, which will take you through the Mojave Desert up to Phoenix. This route is longer than the I-5 and I-10 highway route but is more direct than the coastal route.

The distance via this route is approximately 800 miles, which will take around 12 hours of driving, depending on traffic conditions. Given an average fuel economy of 25 miles per gallon, you can expect to use about 32 gallons of fuel for this trip, which will cost you approximately $127.

There are several tolls along the way, so be sure to factor in these additional costs.

Conclusion

In summary, driving from Atascadero to Phoenix can vary in cost depending on the route you take. By using current gas prices, you can estimate that the average cost of gas for each route will be around $111 to $143. However, it's essential to factor in tolls and any additional expenses that may arise during your trip. Safe travels!