The Cost of Driving from Bakersfield, CA to Yuma, AZ: A Guide to Planning Your Road Trip

Are you planning a road trip from Bakersfield, California to Yuma, Arizona? Before you hit the road, it's important to consider the cost of driving. Gas prices can vary from city to city, and tolls can add up quickly. In this guide, we'll explore different routes, their distance, time, and cost, so you can plan your trip without breaking the bank.

Route 1: I-5 S to I-8 E - The Most Direct Route

The most direct route from Bakersfield to Yuma is via Interstate 5 South to Interstate 8 East. This route spans approximately 360 miles and takes around 6 hours. Gas prices in Bakersfield and Yuma are currently around $3.25 per gallon, so you can expect to pay around $74 for gas each way. There are no tolls along this route, so the total cost of driving will be around $148.

Route 2: CA-99 S to I-10 E - The Longer Route

If you're looking for a more scenic route, you can take CA-99 South to Interstate 10 East. This route spans approximately 450 miles and takes around 7.5 hours. Gas prices in Bakersfield and Yuma are currently around $3.25 per gallon, so you can expect to pay around $91 for gas each way. There are no tolls on this route, so the total cost of driving will be around $182.

Route 3: CA-58 E to AZ-95 S - The Less Traveled Route

For a less traveled and scenic route, you can take CA-58 East to AZ-95 South. This route spans approximately 400 miles and takes around 7 hours. Gas prices in Bakersfield and Yuma are the same as the other routes, around $3.25 per gallon, so you can expect to pay around $87 for gas each way. There are no tolls on this route, so the total cost of driving will be around $174.

Conclusion

In summary, the cost of driving from Bakersfield, California to Yuma, Arizona varies depending on the route you take. The most direct route via I-5 S to I-8 E is the shortest and will cost around $148 for gas only. The longer, more scenic route via CA-99 S to I-10 E will cost around $182 for gas only. Finally, the less-traveled route via CA-58 E to AZ-95 S will cost around $174 for gas only. Whatever route you choose, it's important to plan accordingly and factor in gas prices and tolls. Have a safe and enjoyable trip!