Driving Cost from Billings, Montana to Fresno, California

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The Cost of a Trip from Billings, Montana to Fresno, California: Navigating Current Gas Prices

When planning a trip from Billings, Montana to Fresno, California, one of the first considerations is how much it will cost to get there. With fluctuating gas prices and multiple route options, the price of the trip can vary greatly. In this article, we will break down the different routes and associated costs to help travelers make an informed decision.

Route Options

Option 1: I-90 W and I-5 S

The first route option is to take Interstate 90 West to Interstate 5 South. This is the most direct route and covers a distance of 1,150 miles. To start, we will calculate the cost of gas for two different types of vehicles: a sedan and an SUV.

If driving a sedan that gets an average of 25 miles per gallon (MPG) and with the current national average gas price of $3.17 per gallon, the total cost of gas for the trip will be approximately $138.96.

If instead driving an SUV that gets an average of 18 MPG, the total cost of gas will be approximately $193.44.

Option 2: I-90 W, I-84 W, and I-5 S

The second option is to take Interstate 90 West, then take Interstate 84 West in Oregon and finally merge onto Interstate 5 South in California. This route is slightly longer than option 1, covering a distance of about 1,232 miles.

If driving a sedan with an average MPG of 25 at the national average gas price, the cost of gas will be approximately $154.09.

If driving an SUV with an average MPG of 18, the cost of gas will be approximately $214.92.

Option 3: I-90 W, US-93 S, and I-5 S

The third option involves taking Interstate 90 West to US-93 South, then I-80 West, and finally merging onto Interstate 5 South. This route has a total distance of approximately 1,360 miles.

For a sedan with an average MPG of 25 and the current gas price, the cost of gas will be about $169.32.

For an SUV with an average MPG of 18, gas will cost about $235.08.

The most affordable and efficient route based on the above calculations is option 1, taking Interstate 90 West and merging onto Interstate 5 South. With a distance of 1,150 miles, it offers the most direct path to Fresno, while also using the least amount of gas for both sedan and SUV drivers.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the cost of driving from Billings, Montana to Fresno, California can vary greatly depending on the chosen route and the type of vehicle driven. With current gas prices and an average MPG of 25, the cost of gas for option 1 is approximately $138.96 for a sedan and $193.44 for an SUV. Based on these calculations, we recommend this option as the most cost-effective and direct route. Overall, the journey to Fresno can take an estimated 18 hours depending on traffic and breaks taken throughout the trip. However, with the right preparation and route planning, traveling from Billings to Fresno is a scenic and enjoyable experience.