Calculate the Cost of Driving from Atascadero, California to San Francisco

Planning a road trip can be a fun experience, but it's important to consider the cost of the journey, especially when it comes to fuel prices. In this blog post, we'll explore the different routes from Atascadero, California to San Francisco, California and calculate the cost of driving.

Route 1: Taking Highway 101 North

The first and most common route to take from Atascadero to San Francisco is through Highway 101, which covers a distance of 230 miles. The journey takes around 4 hours and 15 minutes and will cost about $34 for gas for a non-electric car with an average gas mileage of 27 miles per gallon.

Route 2: Taking the Scenic Route - Highway 1

Another option is to take the scenic Highway 1, which adds some time to the journey but offers beautiful views of the coastline. The distance increases by more than 40 miles to 271 miles and the travel time jumps to about 7 hours. The cost for this journey adds up to about $58 for gas due to the changes in elevation - the drive itself is well worth the cost but be sure to take a pitstop at McWay Falls on your drive!

Route 3: Taking the Toll Road - CA-152 E and CA-156 W

Taking the toll road is always an option and can save some time, although it is the most expensive option. It involves taking the CA-152 E and CA-156 W and will cover a total of 196 miles with a travel time of around 3 hours and 30 minutes. However, there are tolls to be taken into account for this route which will increase the price of the journey. Be ready to pay approximately $42 for gas and $34 for tolls, making the total journey cost around $76.

Conclusion

It's important to remember that fuel prices are not fixed, and the above calculations are based on current gas prices as of August 2021. However, these rough estimates can give you an idea of the costs of driving from Atascadero, California to San Francisco, California based on the chosen route. Taking the scenic route provides a beautiful view of the coastline, while taking the toll road saves time but comes with additional costs. Regardless, we hope this post has been helpful in planning your next road trip!