Road Trip from Bakersfield, California, to Spring Valley, Nevada: The Cost of Gas, Distance, and Routes

Are you planning a road trip from Bakersfield, California, to Spring Valley, Nevada, and wondering about the cost of gas, distance, and the most efficient route? This guide provides a breakdown of the possible routes, gas prices, and travel time to help you decide the best way to get to your destination.

Route Options

There are three possible routes from Bakersfield, CA, to Spring Valley, NV. The first option is to take CA-58 E and I-15 N, spanning across two states, California and Nevada. The second option is to take CA-178 E and I-15 N, and the third option is to take CA-14 N and US-395 N. Let's explore each of these options in more detail and compare the cost and distance.

Route 1: CA-58 E and I-15 N

Distance: 249 miles

Gas Cost: $31.70

The first route involves taking CA-58 E from Bakersfield and connecting to I-15N in Barstow, CA, and following I-15N to Spring Valley, NV. This route is the shortest, with a distance of 249 miles, but it involves some elevations. If you're driving a car with good gas mileage, this could be your best option.

Route 2: CA-178 E and I-15 N

Distance: 278.6 miles

Gas cost: $35.35

The second route involves taking CA-178 E from Bakersfield and connecting to I-15N in Baker, CA, and following I-15N to Spring Valley, NV. This route is a bit longer than the first option, with a distance of 278.6 miles, but it takes you through the Mojave Desert, where you'll encounter some beautiful landscapes. This may not be the most efficient option, but it offers a scenic experience.

Route 3: CA-14 N and US-395 N

Distance: 323.2 miles

Gas cost: $40.90

The third and longest route is to take CA-14 N from Bakersfield and connect to US-395 N in Little Lake, CA, and follow it to Spring Valley, NV. This route has a distance of 323.2 miles, which takes approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes. It’s also the most expensive option among the three choices, with gas costing $40.90.

Factors Affecting Your Trip Cost

Before you embark on the trip, it's essential to figure out the factors that can affect the cost of your trip. Here are some of the variables that could impact your travel expenses:

Gas Prices

Gas prices are a significant factor that can influence your trip's cost. While gas prices fluctuate depending on the season and variation in crude oil prices, it's always advisable to estimate gas prices ahead and prepare your budget accordingly. You can check the current gas prices online using a fuel tracker and easily estimate the cost of your trip.

Car Maintenance

Your car needs to be in good condition before embarking on a long trip to avoid experiencing car breakdowns on the way. Thus, make sure to service your car, check the tires, and ensure you have enough oil to avoid any challenges during your road journey.

Accommodation

While Spring Valley is close to Las Vegas, you might still require a place to stay overnight to rest as the journey is quite long. You can check for hotel discounts and book a convenient budget-friendly hotel that meets your accommodation needs.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a road trip from Bakersfield, California, to Spring Valley, Nevada, is about finding the most efficient route that meets your travel preferences while keeping the costs low. The above routes offer a variety of options that you can explore on your way to Spring Valley. However, the first option (CA-58 E and I-15 N) is the most convenient route, with less distance and relatively low gas costs of $31.70. It will take you around four hours, excluding any stops or detours that you might take. With a good car, accommodation plans, and preparedness, you can have a great road trip to Spring Valley at a reasonable cost. Happy travels!