Road Trip from Baton Rouge to Corona, California: Gas Mileage and Cost

Planning a road trip can be an exciting but overwhelming experience, especially when calculating the cost of gas and toll fees. For those who plan to drive from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to Corona, California, it's important to determine which route suits their budget and time constraint. In this blog post, we will explore the different routes, distances, time it takes, and cost of each route based on current gas prices.

The Southern Route

The most direct route from Baton Rouge to Corona is to take the southern route, traveling through Houston and then following Interstate 10 until reaching Corona. This route covers approximately 1,780 miles and takes around 27 hours of driving time.

The average gas price as of October 2021 is $3.14 per gallon. Assuming a vehicle with an average gas mileage of 25 miles per gallon, the cost of gas for this route is about $225.60 for a one-way trip. The road passes through Texas, which has some of the most expensive tolls in the country, and they vary from one location to another. Taking into account tolls, the cost of this route can range from $70 to $150 depending on the exact exit points.

The Northern Route

Another option is the northern route, where travelers go through Denver instead of Houston. This route covers approximately 2,050 miles and takes around 31 hours of driving time.

The average gas price as of October 2021 is $3.23 per gallon. Assuming a vehicle with an average gas mileage of 25 miles per gallon, the cost of gas for this route is about $260.80 for a one-way trip. The tolls in this route are less expensive than the previous one, and the cost hovers around $40, excluding the Express Lanes in Denver.

The Central Route

Finally, there's a third option, the central route (also known as the Route 66), through Albuquerque and Flagstaff. This is the longest route as it covers approximately 2,090 miles, and driving time is around 32 hours.

The average gas price as of October 2021 is $3.49 per gallon. The highest gas prices of all three routes. Assuming a vehicle with an average gas mileage of 25 miles per gallon, the cost of gas for this route is about $279.20 for a one-way trip. Due to the shorter distances of this route in each state, tolls are much less expensive, ranging from $10 to $20 at points, making this the best option from a financial perspective.

Conclusion

In the end, while it may be tempting to take the shorter, quicker course from Baton Rouge to Corona, California, one must consider the cost of gas and tolls. As we have seen, there are three principal highways to consider, each has its own advantages and disadvantages when it comes to expenses and time. It's up to each traveler and trip’s purposes to weigh the costs and benefits that fit their budget and prioritizes their needs. Safe travels!