The Cost of Driving From Baltimore, Maryland to Thousand Oaks, California
Are you planning a road trip from Baltimore, Maryland to Thousand Oaks, California? It's an exciting adventure, but it's always essential to plan ahead and consider the costs involved. In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at the various routes you can take, the distance, time, and costs associated with each route based on current gas prices. So let's get started!
Route 1: The Scenic Route
If you're up for breathtaking views and a leisurely drive, this is the route to take. Start by heading west on I-70, then merge onto I-76 W. Continue on I-76 W, and once you reach Ohio, take I-80 W. Stay on I-80 W through Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, Wyoming, and Utah until you reach Nevada. From there, take I-15 S all the way to Thousand Oaks, California.
- Distance: Approximately 2,875 miles
- Time: Expect a driving time of around 43 hours, not including stops.
But what about the costs? Considering current gas prices (around $3.00 per gallon) and assuming your vehicle has an average fuel economy of 25 miles per gallon, you should plan to spend about $345 on gas alone for this route. Additionally, keep in mind that along the way, you'll encounter various tolls, so make sure to budget accordingly.
Route 2: The Direct Route
If time is of the essence, you may prefer a more direct route. Simply head west on I-70, then merge onto I-44 W. From there, take I-40 W all the way through Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and finally into California. Once there, merge onto I-210 W and I-5 N until you reach your destination.
- Distance: Approximately 2,650 miles
- Time: Expect a driving time of around 39 hours, not including stops.
With gas prices and fuel economy remaining the same as mentioned before, the estimated cost for this route will be quite similar to the previous one, coming in at around $316 for gas. Keep in mind that you may encounter some tolls on this route as well.
Route 3: The Southern Route
For those who prefer warmer climates and taking the scenic route, the Southern Route might be an excellent option. Begin by going south on I-95 until you reach Virginia. From there, take I-85 and I-20 W through Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana. Once you reach Texas, continue on I-10 W until you reach California. From there, merge onto I-210 W and I-5 N to reach Thousand Oaks.
- Distance: Approximately 2,900 miles
- Time: Expect a driving time of around 42 hours, not including stops.
Again, assuming current gas prices and fuel economy, you should budget around $345 for gas. This route also includes some tolls along the way, so be prepared for those additional expenses.
Conclusion
When planning a road trip from Baltimore, Maryland to Thousand Oaks, California, it's important to consider the distance, time, and costs associated with each route. While the direct route may be the shortest, the scenic or southern routes offer beautiful sights and unique experiences along the way. Whichever route you choose, make sure to budget for gas prices and tolls to ensure a stress-free journey.
Safe travels and enjoy your adventure from coast to coast!