The Cost of a Road Trip from Bend, Oregon to Apopka, Florida
Road trips have been a staple of American travel culture for generations, and they continue to be a popular way to see the country. But how much does it cost to drive from Bend, Oregon to Apopka, Florida? In this article, we'll break down the cost of the trip based on current gas prices and explore different routes to get there. We'll also recommend the best route and give you an idea of how long it will take.
The Routes
There are a few different routes you can take to get from Bend, Oregon to Apopka, Florida. The most direct route is to take Interstate 5 South to Interstate 10 East, but there are a few different variations depending on your preferred stops and sightseeing opportunities. Here are a few of the most popular routes:
The Direct Route
- Distance: 3,232 miles
- Approximate driving time: 2 days and 7 hours
- Estimated cost of gas: $427 (based on a vehicle with a 25 mpg fuel efficiency, and an average gas price of $3.00 per gallon)
This is the most direct route, and it's best for those who want to get to Apopka as quickly as possible. The route takes you through several states including California, Arizona, and Texas before reaching Florida. While this route is the shortest, it may not be the most exciting.
The Coastal Route
- Distance: 3,370 miles
- Approximate driving time: 2 days and 10 hours
- Estimated cost of gas: $447 (based on a vehicle with a 25 mpg fuel efficiency, and an average gas price of $3.00 per gallon)
One of the most scenic routes is to take the coastal route. This route takes you through California, Oregon, Washington, and then south along the coast to California, where you cross over to Arizona and continue east. There are plenty of sightseeing opportunities along this route, including state and national parks as well as popular coastal towns.
The Southern Route
- Distance: 3,339 miles
- Approximate driving time: 2 days and 9 hours
- Estimated cost of gas: $446 (based on a vehicle with a 25 mpg fuel efficiency, and an average gas price of $3.00 per gallon)
The southern route is similar to the direct route, but instead of going north to take the I-10 east, you continue south to the I-20 east. This route takes you through Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and finally, Florida. This route is ideal for those who want to see some of the best-known landmarks in the southwest, such as the Grand Canyon and Carlsbad Caverns National Park.
Recommended Route
After comparing the three routes in terms of distance, time, and cost of gas, we recommend taking the direct route from Bend, Oregon to Apopka, Florida. It's the shortest distance, and while it may not be the most scenic, it will get you to your destination as quickly as possible. The coastal route is too long, and you may not have enough time to take in all the sights and still make it to Florida on time. The southern route is also scenic, but it's slightly longer than the direct route.
Additional Costs to Consider
When planning a road trip, it's important to consider expenses beyond just gas. Here are a few other costs to consider when planning a trip from Bend, Oregon to Apopka, Florida:
- Food: You'll need to budget for meals, snacks, and drinks along the way. Plan to eat out at least once a day and pack your own snacks to save money.
- Lodging: Depending on your budget and travel preferences, you may need to budget for hotel or motel stays along the way. Average costs for a hotel room range from $70 to $150 per night.
- Entertainment: If you plan to stop and see attractions or go on tours along the way, you'll need to budget for these expenses as well.
Conclusion
While there are a few different routes you can take to get from Bend, Oregon to Apopka, Florida, the most direct route is the best option for those who want to get to their destination as quickly as possible. With an estimated cost of $427 for gas, this route takes approximately 2 days and 7 hours to complete. Of course, additional costs such as food, lodging, and entertainment may add to the overall cost of the trip, but with some careful planning, a road trip from Bend, Oregon to Apopka, Florida can be an affordable and unforgettable adventure.