The Cost of Driving from Ben Lomond, California to Eureka, California based on Current Gas Prices

Looking to take a trip from Ben Lomond to Eureka, California? You're not alone. This scenic coastal drive is a popular trip among Northern Californians and visitors alike. But how much will it cost you to make the journey? Let's compare a few different routes to find out.

Route 1: Highway 101

Our first route takes us straight up Highway 101, which is the most direct and popular route. It's approximately 250 miles and will take you about 5 hours without any stops. According to GasBuddy, the current average gas price in California is $4.28 per gallon. With a car that gets 25 miles to the gallon, you'll need 10 gallons of gas for this trip. That brings the total cost of gas to $42.80. There aren't any tolls on this route, so that's the total cost of this trip.

Route 2: The Coast Highway

If you're looking for a more scenic route, traveling along the coast highway might be the way to go. However, the distance of this route is longer, about 300 miles and will take you about 6 hours to get there. The drive is breathtaking, but fuel prices will add extra cost. With the same average gas price in California, and a car that gets you 25 miles to the gallon, you'll need approximately 12 gallons of gas for this trip. That brings the total cost of gas to $51.36. There are no tolls on this route.

Route 3: Highway 1

Our final route takes us up Highway 1 from Santa Cruz through Watsonville, then reconnecting with Highway 101 in San Jose. The one-way distance is about 290 miles and will take you around 5 hours and 40 minutes to drive. Gas prices will be similar to Route 2 since it's partially through the coastal highway. There aren't any tolls so the total cost of gas will be around $49.51.

Conclusion

When you factor in the different routes, the total distance, time, and costs, it becomes clear that the most direct route, Highway 101, is also the most affordable. Although the scenic routes are breathtaking, you'll end up spending more on distance and fuel. So, put some gas in your vehicle, grab your favorite snacks, turn up the tunes, and hit the road to Eureka from Ben Lomond. Safe travels!