The Cost of a Trip Between Beverly Hills and Glendale

Traveling between Beverly Hills and Glendale is a common trip for Angelenos, whether for work, leisure, or tourism. The two cities are relatively close to each other, but there are different routes to get to your destination. The cost of the trip, including gasoline, tolls, and other expenses, can also vary depending on factors such as traffic, time of day, and vehicle type. In this article, we'll explore the different possible routes between Beverly Hills and Glendale, the cost and distance of each one, and recommend the best route based on your needs.

The Route

On a map, the most straightforward route between Beverly Hills and Glendale is to take the Glendale Freeway or State Route 2, which goes northeast from downtown Los Angeles towards the San Gabriel Mountains. The freeway is about 12 miles long, and the time it takes to travel this distance can vary depending on traffic, but it typically takes around 20 minutes during non-rush hours. However, the Glendale Freeway can be congested during peak hours, especially near the I-5 interchange and the Downtown Glendale exits.

Another option is to take the 101 Freeway northwest towards Studio City and exit on Cahuenga Blvd, which goes through the Hollywood Hills and leads to the eastern part of Glendale. This route is longer than the Glendale Freeway Route, as it covers about 17 miles, but it offers scenic views of the city and the Griffith Observatory. However, this route can also be congested during peak hours, especially on the Hollywood Hills and the Cahuenga Pass.

A third route that some drivers take is to use residential streets such as Sunset Blvd, Santa Monica Blvd, or Melrose Ave. These streets offer various landmarks and attractions, but they also have numerous traffic lights and stop signs, which can make the trip slower and more fuel-consuming than the freeway routes. Additionally, these streets have limited capacity and can be crowded, especially during the tourist season and weekends.

The Cost

The cost of driving between Beverly Hills and Glendale can vary depending on several factors, including gasoline prices, vehicle type, tolls, parking fees, and other expenses. The average gasoline price in California as of June 2021 is around $4.20 per gallon, which is higher than the national average. Assuming your vehicle gets an average of 25 miles per gallon, here's an estimate of how much each route might cost:

Glendale Freeway Route

The Glendale Freeway route covers about 12 miles, which means you'll need about half a gallon of gas each way. At $4.20 per gallon, that's $2.10 for gas. If you take this route during peak hours, you might encounter tolls, as some sections of the Glendale Freeway have express lanes that charge fees depending on demand. Depending on the time of day, the tolls can range from $0.50 to $10 or more. Additionally, if you plan to park in downtown Glendale, you might encounter parking fees, which can vary from $2 to $25 per hour depending on location and time of day.

Cahuenga Blvd Route

The Cahuenga Blvd Route covers about 17 miles, which means you'll need about two-thirds of a gallon of gas each way. At $4.20 per gallon, that's about $2.80 for gas. This route doesn't have any tolls, but you might encounter parking fees if you park in downtown Glendale, which can range from $2 to $25 per hour depending on location and time of day.

Residential Streets Route

The Residential Streets Route covers about 13 miles, but it might take longer than the freeway routes due to traffic lights and stop signs. Assuming you need half a gallon of gas per way, that's $2.10 for gas. This route doesn't have any tolls, but you might encounter parking fees if you park in downtown Glendale, which can range from $2 to $25 per hour depending on location and time of day.

The Recommendation

Based on the distance, time, and cost estimates, the best route to take between Beverly Hills and Glendale is the Glendale Freeway Route. Although this route might have tolls and traffic during peak hours, it offers the quickest and most direct way to get to your destination. If you have some extra time or want to enjoy some scenic views, you can also try the Cahuenga Blvd Route, which offers views of the Hollywood Hills and the Griffith Observatory. Avoid using residential streets unless you have a lot of time and don't mind navigating stop signs and traffic.

Conclusion

Traveling between Beverly Hills and Glendale is a relatively short but essential trip for many Los Angeles residents. By taking into account the routes available and the factors that affect the cost, such as gas prices, tolls, and parking fees, you can plan your trip more efficiently and choose the most convenient and affordable option. If you need to go to Glendale quickly, take the Glendale Freeway Route, but if you have more time and want to explore the city, take the Cahuenga Blvd Route. Regardless of the route, remember to drive safely and obey traffic laws to make the most out of your trip.