Driving Cost from Austin, Texas to Palo Alto, California

A picture depicting a gas pump

The Cost of Driving from Austin, Texas to Palo Alto, California

Are you planning a road trip from Austin, Texas to Palo Alto, California? It's not only important to plan the route and estimate the time it takes, but you also need to budget the cost of gas, tolls, and other expenses.

The Northern Route

If you take the northern route following I-40 and I-5, the trip is approximately 1,746 miles and takes around 25 hours without making any stops. You will encounter tolls in Oklahoma and California.

Based on the current gas prices (as of September 2021), you will need to allocate around $225 for gas for a vehicle with an average fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon.

Toll fees are charged in Oklahoma and California and can vary depending on the vehicle type and whether you have a transponder. For cars, expect to pay around $13 in Oklahoma and around $31 in California.

The Central Route

If you prefer a more central route via I-35 and I-40, the trip is approximately 1,927 miles and takes around 28 hours without making any stops. There are no toll booths on this route.

With current gas prices, you will need to allocate around $245 for gas for a vehicle with an average fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon on this route.

The Southern Route

If you take the southern route via I-10 and I-8, the trip is approximately 1,760 miles and takes around 27 hours without making any stops. Expect to encounter tolls in Texas and California.

Based on the current gas prices, you will need to allocate around $226 for gas for a vehicle with an average fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon.

Toll fees are charged in Texas and California and can vary depending on the vehicle type and whether you have a transponder. For cars, expect to pay around $13 in Texas and around $31 in California.

Conclusion

There are several options for routes to take when driving from Austin, Texas to Palo Alto, California, each with its own set of benefits and costs. Be sure to factor in gas and toll expenses when budgeting for your road trip to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey.