The Cost of a Trip: Blaine, Washington to Chino, California

With gas prices on the rise, many travelers are concerned about the cost of long-distance road trips. If you're planning a trip between Blaine, Washington and Chino, California, there are several routes to choose from, each with its own cost and distance. In this article, we'll break down the pros and cons of each route and give you our recommendation for the most cost-effective option.

Route 1: I-5

The most direct route between Blaine and Chino is to take Interstate 5 all the way down the coast. This route covers a total distance of about 1,230 miles and takes approximately 19 hours without any stops.

Cost

Assuming an average gas mileage of 27 miles per gallon and a current gas price of $3.50 per gallon, the cost of gas for this route would be roughly $160. However, keep in mind that this does not include any additional expenses such as tolls, food, or lodging.

Pros

This route is the most direct and therefore the shortest, which means you'll spend less time on the road. Additionally, because it's a major highway, there are plenty of rest stops and amenities available along the way.

Cons

The downside of this route is that it can be quite monotonous. You'll be driving through a lot of rural areas and may not see much in the way of scenery. Additionally, traffic can be heavy in some areas, especially near major cities like Seattle and Los Angeles.

Route 2: Highway 101

If you're looking for a more scenic route, consider taking Highway 101 down the coast. This route will take you through quaint coastal towns and offer stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.

Cost

The distance covered on this route is about 1,400 miles, which is slightly longer than the I-5 route. Based on the same gas mileage and gas price assumptions, the cost of gas for this route would be roughly $190. Again, this doesn't include any other expenses you may incur along the way.

Pros

The biggest advantage of this route is the scenery. You'll get to see beautiful coastal vistas, drive across the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, and pass through charming towns like Santa Barbara and Santa Cruz. Additionally, this route tends to be less congested than I-5, which can be a relief if you're not a fan of heavy traffic.

Cons

The downside to this route is that it's longer and can take more time. Additionally, because you'll be driving along a lot of winding coastal roads, it's not as straightforward as the main highways and can be a bit more confusing to navigate.

Route 3: I-84 and I-15

If you want to avoid California traffic altogether, consider taking a more inland route that will take you through Idaho and Utah.

Cost

The total distance covered on this route is about 1,500 miles, making it the longest of the three options. Gas costs for this route based on our assumptions would be approximately $205.

Pros

The biggest advantage of this route is that it avoids major cities and highways in California. This means you'll avoid traffic and potentially save time. Additionally, this route can be quite scenic, with views of the Columbia River and the Rocky Mountains along the way.

Cons

The downside to this route is that it's quite long and can make for some long days on the road. Additionally, there are fewer amenities and rest stops along the way, which could make it more challenging to find food and lodging.

Our Recommendation

Based on the factors discussed, our recommendation is to take the I-5 route if you value speed and convenience, and don't mind the monotony of the drive. If you prefer a more scenic route and are willing to have a slightly longer journey, consider taking Highway 101. However, keep in mind that this route can be more confusing to navigate and has higher potential costs. Finally, if you want to avoid California traffic altogether and don't mind a longer journey, consider the I-84 and I-15 route.

Conclusion

When planning a road trip between Blaine, Washington and Chino, California, there are several factors to consider, including distance, scenery, traffic, and cost. By weighing the pros and cons of each route, you can make an informed decision about which one is right for you. Regardless of the route you choose, be sure to take your time, stay safe on the roads, and enjoy the journey.