The Cost of Driving From Bellingham, Washington to Arlington, Texas
If you're considering a road trip from Bellingham, Washington to Arlington, Texas, you're in for an amazing adventure through some of the most beautiful places in the United States. But before you embark on your journey, you need to think about the cost of driving, especially when it comes to fluctuating gas prices. We've put together a handy guide to help you calculate the cost of your Bellingham to Arlington road trip based on current gas prices.
The Different Routes
There are several different routes you can take to drive from Bellingham, Washington to Arlington, Texas. The most direct route is to drive on I-5 South until you reach I-20 E in Texas. However, there are alternative routes that might be more scenic, more enjoyable, and more affordable.
Route #1: The Most Direct Route
The most direct route is 2,400 miles long, starting in Bellingham, Washington and ending in Arlington, Texas. It takes approximately 36 hours to complete the trip. The cost of gas depends on the current gas prices, but it will likely cost you around $200-$300 in gas if your car gets 30 MPG or higher.
Route #2: The Scenic Route
The scenic route starts the same as the previous route, but once you get to Portland, Oregon, take I-84 E to Salt Lake City, UT. Then, follow I-80 E from Salt Lake City to Cheyenne, WY and finally to Denver, CO, where you can pick up I-25 S. Take I-25 S to Albuquerque, NM, where you can pick up I-40 E. Take I-40 E until you reach Amarillo, TX, where you can take I-27 S to Lubbock, TX. In Lubbock, take US 84 E to Snyder, TX, where you can connect with either I-20 E or TX-114 E to reach Arlington, TX. This route is roughly 2,800 miles long, taking around 45 hours to complete the drive. The cost of gas for this route will depend on current gas prices, but it will likely cost you around $250-$350 in gas if you have a car that gets over 30 MPG.
Route #3: Shorter But More Expensive
If you are willing to spend a little bit more to get there faster, you can take Route 512 to I-90 E, then connect to I-82 S in Ellensburg, WA. Follow I-82 S until you reach Hermiston, OR, where you can pick up I-84 E. Take I-84 E to Salt Lake City, UT, where you can pick up I-15 S. Take I-15 S to Las Vegas, NV, where you can pick up I-515 S/US-93 S/US-95 S. Follow this route until you reach Phoenix, AZ, where you can connect to I-10 E. Take I-10 E to Junction, TX, where you can connect to US-83 S to reach Abilene, TX. Connect to I-20 E or TX-114 E to reach Arlington, TX. This route is roughly 2,500 miles long, taking around 37 hours to complete the drive. However, it will cost you around $300-$400 in gas if you have a vehicle that gets over 30 MPG.
Don't Forget About Tolls!
There are also tolls along the way that you need to factor in for each route. For example, if you take the direct route, you can expect to pay about $30 in tolls, while route #2 will cost approximately $90 in tolls. Route #3 has tolls that can add up to around $190. Keep in mind that these numbers are based on current toll rates, and they are subject to change.
Final Thoughts
Driving from Bellingham, Washington to Arlington, Texas can be a memorable and fulfilling experience, but it's important to factor in the cost of gas and tolls when planning your trip. The cost of this trip can vary depending on a few different factors, such as the current cost of gas, the route you choose to take, and any tolls along the way. However, with a little bit of planning, you can make this trip not only an adventure but an affordable one, too.