How Much Does It Cost to Drive from Bend, Oregon to Santa Barbara, California?

Are you planning a road trip from Bend, Oregon to Santa Barbara, California? If so, you're in for a real treat - you'll get to see some stunning natural landscapes, beautiful coastal views, and experience the charm of small towns along the way. But before you hit the road, it's important to budget for the trip, including gas and toll expenses. In this blog post, we'll take a look at the cost of driving from Bend, Oregon to Santa Barbara, California based on current gas prices.

Route 1: I-5 South

The fastest route from Bend, Oregon to Santa Barbara, California is via I-5 South. This route is approximately 770 miles and takes around 12 hours to complete without stops. You'll drive through stunning mountain ranges, pass by Mount Shasta, and eventually wind your way down to the coast.

The estimated fuel cost of this trip, based on $3.25 per gallon, is around $135.50 for a car that gets 30 MPG. There are no tolls on this route, so the total cost is only the fuel cost.

Route 2: US-97 South & CA-139 South

If you're looking for a more scenic route, consider taking US-97 South towards Klamath Falls, then continuing onto CA-139 South. This route is approximately 810 miles and takes around 13 hours to complete without stops. You'll drive through national forests, cross over rivers and lakes, and eventually hit the beautiful Lake Almanor on your way to Santa Barbara.

The estimated fuel cost of this trip, based on $3.25 per gallon, is around $146.25 for a car that gets 30 MPG. There are no tolls on this route, so the total cost is only the fuel cost.

Route 3: US-101 South

The most scenic route from Bend, Oregon to Santa Barbara, California is via US-101 South. This route is approximately 890 miles and takes around 15 hours to complete without stops. You'll drive through the Pacific Coast Highway, passing through charming seaside towns like Newport and Santa Cruz, before arriving in Santa Barbara.

The estimated fuel cost of this trip, based on $3.25 per gallon, is around $171.50 for a car that gets 30 MPG. There are no tolls on this route, so the total cost is only the fuel cost.

Conclusion

No matter which route you choose, the cost of driving from Bend, Oregon to Santa Barbara, California is relatively affordable thanks to relatively low gas prices and lack of tolls. Just remember to budget for other expenses like food, lodging, and attractions along the way. Safe travels and have fun exploring the coast!