The Cost of a Trip from Big Bear City to Lancaster, California: Exploring the Best Route and Gas Prices

Traveling to Lancaster from Big Bear City can be a great road trip idea for those who love the outdoors and scenic routes. But before hitting the road, it is essential to plan your route and check current gas prices to help you estimate the total cost of the trip.

Possible Routes

Route 1: Via CA-18 W and Antelope Valley Fwy

The most direct route from Big Bear City to Lancaster is via CA-18 W and Antelope Valley Fwy (CA-14 S). This route covers a distance of approximately 88 miles and takes around 1 hour and 45 minutes to drive.

Route 2: Via CA-38 W and CA-18 W

Another alternative is to take CA-38 W and CA-18 W. This route covers a distance of about 104 miles and takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes to drive.

Route 3: Via CA-18 W and Pearblossom Hwy

A third option is via CA-18 W and Pearblossom Hwy (CA-TT). This route covers a distance of approximately 93 miles and takes around 1 hour and 50 minutes to drive.

Route 4: Via CA-18 W and Angeles Crest Hwy

The fourth option is to take CA-18 W and Angeles Crest Hwy. This route covers a distance of about 131 miles and takes approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes to drive.

Current Gas Prices

Before selecting the route to take, it's essential to consider the current gas prices. According to GasBuddy, the average gas price in California as of February 2021 is $3.52 per gallon.

Cost Breakdown

Using the current average gas price in California, below is an estimated cost for each possible route.

Route 1: Via CA-18 W and Antelope Valley Fwy

This route is approximately 88 miles long. A car that gets 25 miles per gallon will need 3.52 gallons of gas to cover this route one way. Therefore, the estimated one-way cost in gas will be $12.38. For a round trip, the estimated gas cost will be $24.76.

Route 2: Via CA-38 W and CA-18 W

This route is roughly 104 miles long. A vehicle that gets 25 miles per gallon will need about 4.16 gallons of gas to cover this route one way. Therefore, the estimated one-way cost in gas will be $14.57. For a round trip, the estimated gas cost will be $29.14.

Route 3: Via CA-18 W and Pearblossom Hwy

This route is about 93 miles long. A car that gets 25 miles per gallon will need about 3.72 gallons of gas to cover this route one way. Therefore, the estimated one-way cost in gas will be $13.10. For a round trip, the estimated gas cost will be $26.20.

Route 4: Via CA-18 W and Angeles Crest Hwy

This route is about 131 miles long. A car that gets 25 miles per gallon will need roughly 5.28 gallons of gas to cover this route one way. Therefore, the estimated one-way cost in gas will be $18.63. For a round trip, the estimated gas cost will be $37.26.

Note: These estimates are based on gas prices as of February 2021 and do not factor in potential route detours or variations in the vehicle's fuel efficiency.

Best Route

Considering the distance and cost factors, Route 1, via CA-18 W and Antelope Valley Fwy seems to be the most feasible option.

Conclusion

A trip from Big Bear City to Lancaster may take approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes to drive via CA-18 W and Antelope Valley Fwy. The estimated gas cost for this direct route, one way, is about $12.38. However, the final cost will depend on other factors like the type and size of the vehicle being used, detours, and other expenses. It's always important to plan your trip well in advance to avoid surprises along the way.