The Cost of a Road Trip from Bixby, Oklahoma to Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California

As far as cross-country road trips go, traveling from Oklahoma to California is one of the more common routes. For those who are planning a road trip from Bixby, Oklahoma to Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, knowing the cost of such an adventure is essential. In this article, we’ll break down the different routes available and give you an idea of what you can expect to pay based on today’s gas prices.

Possible Routes

The easiest way to get from Bixby to Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton is to drive. It can take up to 27 hours to travel the more than 1,500 miles between the two points by car. Depending on the route, however, the cost of gas and distance traveled between Bixby and Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton can vary. Here are the different routes you can take:

Route 1: I-40 W and I-15 S

This route is the shortest (and quickest) available, totaling approximately 1,435 miles and takes around 22 hours. Starting on US-75 S in Oklahoma and joining I-40 W in Amarillo, Texas. Continue along I-40 W until it meets up with I-15 S. Then, travel down I-15 S until you reach Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton.

At a gas mileage of 20 miles per gallon for the car, the total cost of gas will be around $238.86 (based on the national average of $3.19 per gallon as of August 2021).

Route 2: I-44 W and I-40 W

This route is slightly longer than Route 1, adding 50 miles to the journey, but it is an option worth considering if you want to avoid any traffic on I-15 in Southern California. Once you are on I-44 W in Oklahoma City and continue until it meets I-40 W, you will follow the same route as in Route 1.

The total distance of this route is 1,485 miles and will take around 23 hours. The cost of gas is approximately the same at $246.85 given the national average at the time of $3.19 per gallon.

Route 3: US-75 S. and I-5 S.

This route is the longest, adding an additional 120 miles beyond Route 1 and making the journey more than 1,660 miles. This scenic route will take you through the mountains of Colorado and then down to California on the Pacific coast. When you reach Los Angeles, you'll take I-5 S and head south to Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton.

While this route is the longest, it is quite scenic, and if you have more time to travel, it can offer some gorgeous views. At a gas mileage of 20 miles per gallon, the total cost of gas will be around $273.46.

The Best Route

The best route to take between Bixby and Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton will depend on your preferences, your car’s capabilities, and your schedule. Route 1 is most likely the best bet since it is the shortest and will take the least amount of time. The only downside is that you'll take I-15, which can be a heavily congested area during rush hour. Route 2 is an excellent alternative if you wish to avoid any traffic. Route 3 is ideal if you have time to explore and enjoy the journey as much as the destination.

Conclusion

Traveling from Bixby, Oklahoma to Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton is no small feat, and the cost varies based on the route you choose. With these three routes, you have enough choices to tailor your experience and budget. That being said, it's important to remember that gas prices fluctuate rapidly, and you should always check the latest prices for the trip. Regardless of which route you take, the trip will take around 22-27 hours, but all offer unique and excellent views. Plan your route, get the maps ready, and take the journey of a lifetime.