The Cost of Driving from Auburn to Mercer Island based on Current Gas Prices

If you're planning a drive from Auburn, Washington to Mercer Island, Washington, you'll need to consider the cost of the trip. Gas prices are constantly fluctuating, and with multiple routes available, it can be challenging to determine which one is the most cost-effective. In this blog post, we'll examine several different routes in terms of distance, time, and cost.

Route 1: Via I-5 and I-90

The first option is to take I-5 north to Seattle, then I-90 east to Mercer Island. This route covers a distance of 33.3 miles and takes approximately 45 minutes, depending on traffic.

At the current gas price of $3.21 per gallon, a car with an average of 25 miles per gallon will use approximately 1.33 gallons of gas, costing around $4.27. Additionally, this route includes a toll fee of $1.50 for the eastbound I-90 bridge across Lake Washington. In total, the cost of this route is around $5.77.

Route 2: Via WA-167 and I-405

The second option is to take WA-167 north to Renton, then I-405 north to Mercer Island. This route covers a distance of about 24.9 miles and takes around 35 minutes depending on traffic conditions.

Based on current gas prices, a 25-mile-per-gallon vehicle will require approximately 1 gallon of gas, costing around $3.21. Additionally, this route includes a toll fee of $1.50 for the eastbound I-90 bridge across Lake Washington. In total, the cost of this route is about $4.71.

Route 3: Via surface streets

The final option is to avoid the highways altogether and take surface streets all the way to Mercer Island. This route covers a distance of about 33.1 miles and takes around 50 minutes depending on traffic conditions.

Based on current gas prices, a 25-mile-per-gallon vehicle will require approximately 1.32 gallons of gas, costing around $4.24. The cost for this route does not include any toll fees. In total, the cost of this route is about $4.24.

Conclusion

As you can see, the cost of driving from Auburn to Mercer Island varies depending on the route you take. Based on current gas prices, the most cost-effective route is the second option, via WA-167 and I-405. However, if you prefer to avoid tolls and don't mind a slightly longer drive, taking surface streets is a good alternative. Whatever route you choose, we hope this blog post has provided you with helpful information to make your trip planning easier. Safe travels!