The Cost of Driving From Austin, Texas to Tracy, California based on Current Gas Prices

Planning a long road trip can be both exciting and stressful, especially when you’re trying to figure out how much it will cost. Let's take a look at the different routes you can take from Austin, Texas to Tracy, California and their respective costs based on current gas prices.

Route 1: Taking I-10 and I-5 North

This is the most common route for traveling from Austin to Tracy. You will drive 1,726 miles and it should take around 25 hours, depending on traffic conditions.

The cost for gas for this route will depend on your car’s gas mileage. If you get 25 mpg and gas prices are around $3.50 per gallon, you will spend approximately $240 on gas. Additionally, you will encounter toll fees, especially around the larger cities. For example, expect to pay around $6 for tolls in Houston, and $5 for tolls in Dallas.

Route 2: Taking I-20 and I-5 North

This route is a little longer than Route 1, but it takes you through some different areas. You will drive approximately 1,965 miles (239 miles more than Route 1) and it should take around 28 hours, again depending on traffic conditions.

The cost for gas for this route will also depend on your car’s gas mileage. If you get 25 mpg and gas prices are still at $3.50 per gallon, you will spend about $275 on gas. Similar to Route 1, you will also encounter toll fees. For example, expect to pay around $15 in tolls for the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

Route 3: Taking US-62, I-25, and I-40 West

This route is the longest, but takes you through some beautiful landscapes. You will drive approximately 2,230 miles and it should take around 34 hours, depending on traffic conditions.

The cost for gas for this route will also depend on your car’s gas mileage. If you get 25 mpg and gas prices remain at $3.50 per gallon, you will spend approximately $315 on gas alone. Fortunately, there are fewer toll roads along this route. However, there are a few toll roads you’ll encounter in New Mexico and Colorado. Expect to pay around $5.50 in tolls in Denver.

Conclusion

Overall, the cost of driving from Austin, Texas to Tracy, California will depend on what route you take, gas prices, and toll fees. Route 1 is the shortest, but the tolls can add up quickly. Route 2 is a bit longer, but has some interesting sights along the way. Route 3 is the longest and most scenic, but the cost of gas will be more expensive. Regardless of the route you choose, make sure to pack some snacks and enjoy the ride!