The Cost of a Trip Between Bakersfield, California and Garden Grove, California: Navigating Current Gas Prices

Are you planning a road trip from Bakersfield to Garden Grove and wondering how much it will cost? Gas prices can fluctuate frequently, but with some research and careful planning, you can estimate the cost of your trip accurately. In this article, we will delve into the different routes that you can take, and the associated expenses with each one. We will also suggest the best route that will get you to your destination promptly.

Route 1: The I-5 South

The first route we will consider is the I-5 South, which is the most direct route. The I-5 is a major highway that goes from Canada to Mexico, and it is the fastest way to travel from Bakersfield to Garden Grove. The I-5 South is 136 miles long and will take approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes, depending on traffic. According to GasBuddy, the average gas price per gallon in Bakersfield is $4.09, and the average price in Garden Grove is $4.39.

Using the current gas prices and the fuel efficiency of your car, the total cost of your trip will vary. Assuming a fuel efficiency of 28 miles per gallon, the total cost will come out to $37.55 for a one-way trip. This estimation is based on the distance of 136 miles and an average gas price of $4.24 per gallon. The round trip cost will, therefore, be approximately $75.10.

Route 2: The CA-99 South

If you prefer to take a different route, you can try the CA-99 South. This route is longer, covering a distance of 158 miles, but it takes roughly the same amount of time as the I-5. This is because the CA-99 has fewer speed restrictions and is generally less congested. The average gas price per gallon on this route is currently $4.21.

Suppose we again assume a fuel efficiency of 28 miles per gallon. In that case, the estimated cost of the trip will be approximately $43.21 for a one-way journey. This calculation is based on the distance of 158 miles and an average gas price of $4.21 per gallon. The round trip cost will be approximately $86.42.

Route 3: The I-5 South and CA-91 West

Another possible route to Garden Grove is to take the I-5 South and then continue on to the CA-91 West. This route is suitable for travelers who want to avoid the traffic congestion in Anaheim. The distance between Bakersfield and Garden Grove along this route is approximately 152 miles, and the estimated drive time is approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes.

The average gas price per gallon along this route is currently $4.23. Based on a fuel efficiency of 28 miles per gallon, the estimated cost of a one-way trip is about $40.77. The round trip cost will, therefore, be roughly around $81.54.

Route 4: The CA-99 South and CA-22 West

Finally, you can take the CA-99 South and transition onto the CA-22 West towards Garden Grove. One critical advantage of this route is that it passes through the Disneyland area, offering an opportunity to stop and sightsee before continuing to your destination.

The estimated cost of this route is approximately $45.44 for a one-way trip. This estimation is based on the distance of 174 miles, an average gas price of $4.20 per gallon, and an assumed fuel efficiency of 28 miles per gallon. The round trip cost will be approximately $90.88.

Conclusion:

After analyzing the various routes, the best option appears to be to take the I-5 South as it is the most direct way. Even though gas prices can be variable and unpredictable, planning your route ahead and factoring in the cost of gas, will help you to budget for your journey accurately. If you're traveling with others, consider carpooling to reduce gas expenses further. Ultimately, your travel choice will depend on the priority you place on time versus gas expenses. No matter which route you choose, the estimated time of arrival in Garden Grove is approximately 2-3 hours, depending on traffic and stops along the way.