The Cost of Driving From Berkeley, California to Walnut Creek, California: Based on Current Gas Prices

Are you planning a road trip from Berkeley to Walnut Creek but wondering how much it might cost? Then you've come to the right place. In this blog post, we'll explore the different routes you can take, how long it'll take, and how much it'll cost you based on current gas prices.

Route 1: Via CA-24 W

The first and most direct route is via CA-24 W. This route is approximately 14 miles long and takes around 20 minutes (depending on traffic). If you're driving a gas-powered car that gets, let's say, 25 miles per gallon, you would need around 0.56 gallons of gas for this route. With gas prices averaging around $4.00 per gallon in California, this route would cost you around $2.24 in gas alone. There are no tolls on this route.

Route 2: Via I-80 E and CA-24 E

The second route you can take is via I-80 E and CA-24 E. This route is a little longer, approximately 17.6 miles, and takes around 26 minutes. If you're driving the same car mentioned above, you would need around 0.7 gallons of gas for this route. This would cost you around $2.80 in gas. However, there is one toll on this route. The Bay Bridge toll is $8.00 on weekdays from 5 am to 10 am and 3 pm to 7 pm. If you're traveling on a weekday during those hours, this route would cost you a total of $10.80 in gas and tolls.

Route 3: Via Tunnel Rd and CA-24 E

The third and final route you can take is via Tunnel Rd and CA-24 E. This route is the longest, approximately 18.8 miles, and takes around 30 minutes. If you're driving the same car mentioned above, you would need around 0.75 gallons of gas for this route. This would cost you around $3.00 in gas. Just like the previous route, there is one toll on this route, the Caldecott Tunnel toll. This toll is $6.00 during peak hours (5 am to 9 am and 4 pm to 7 pm on weekdays) and $4.00 during off-peak hours. If you're traveling during peak hours on a weekday, this route would cost you a total of $9.00 in gas and tolls.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the cost of driving from Berkeley, California to Walnut Creek, California varies depending on the route you take. The shortest route, via CA-24 W, is also the cheapest, costing around $2.24 in gas. If you're willing to spend a little more time on the road, the other two routes are also great options, costing around $10.80 (via I-80 E and CA-24 E) or $9.00 (via Tunnel Rd and CA-24 E). Regardless of the route you choose, make sure to check gas prices and toll prices beforehand to avoid any surprises. Happy driving!