Gas prices for a trip from Auburn, WA to Olympia, WA

Planning a road trip is always exciting - but what about the costs involved? Gas prices fluctuate, tolls exist on certain routes and various traffic conditions can make the ride longer or shorter. So, let's break down the different routes and estimate the cost and driving time for each.

Route 1: Most Direct

The most direct option is to take I-5 S all the way down. From Auburn to Olympia, the distance is approximately 30 miles and it takes around 35 minutes under ideal traffic conditions. According to GasBuddy, as of September 2021, the average gas price is around $3.56 per gallon. With this route, you can expect to spend around $3 in gas. There are no tolls along this route.

Route 2: I-405 S to WA-167 S

Another option is to take I-405 S to WA-167 S and then take I-5 S all the way down. This route is slightly longer with a distance of approximately 36 miles and around 40 minutes of driving time in ideal traffic conditions. With this route, you can expect to spend around $4.20 in gas according to GasBuddy's average gas price. There are no tolls along this route.

Route 3: SR-167 S to SR-512 W

If you want to avoid I-5 altogether, you can take SR-167 S to SR-512 W. This route has a distance of approximately 40 miles and it takes around 50 minutes of driving time under ideal traffic conditions. According to GasBuddy, you can expect to spend around $4.80 in gas on this route. There are no tolls along this route.

Route 4: I-5 S with a Toll

If you're in a hurry, there's always the option to take the Tacoma Narrows Bridge. This option takes I-5 S all the way down and includes a toll of $5.50 each way. The distance is approximately 38 miles and takes around 45 minutes of driving time under ideal traffic conditions. According to GasBuddy, you can expect to spend around $4.50 in gas if you choose this route.

Overall, the most direct route has the lowest gas cost, but not by much. The other routes also have their pros and cons, with some being a little less direct but offering various advantages such as freeway exit locations or smoother traffic conditions. Regardless of which route you choose, make sure to also factor in any parking or food costs to get a more realistic idea of the full expense of this road trip.