The Cost of a Trip between Bluffdale and Orem: Navigating Utah's Roads on a Budget
If you're planning a trip from Bluffdale to Orem, Utah, you'll need to decide on the best route to take based on your budget and time constraints. There are several possible routes to choose from, each with its own combination of tolls, gas prices, and total distance. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the different options to help you make an informed decision about the most cost-effective route for your trip.
Route 1: I-15 South
One of the most straightforward routes from Bluffdale to Orem is I-15 South, a major interstate highway that runs through the heart of Utah. The distance between these two cities is roughly 34 miles, and the estimated driving time is just over 30 minutes without traffic. However, this time can vary greatly during peak hours or busy travel seasons.
When it comes to costs, the biggest consideration for I-15 South is the price of gas. As of this writing, the average price of gas in Utah is about $3.50 per gallon, and with a car that gets 25 miles per gallon, you're looking at a total of 2.72 gallons of gas to complete the trip. That means you'll need to budget around $9.50 for gas alone.
Another factor to keep in mind when taking I-15 South is the potential for tolls. While there are no toll booths on the actual interstate, there are several toll roads that connect to I-15 and could impact your travel expenses. For instance, if you take the 11400 South exit and follow that road to its end, you'll hit the Mountain View Corridor, a toll road that travels south toward Lehi. Depending on the time of day and the type of vehicle you have, tolls on this road can range from $1.25 to $4.70 each way.
Total estimated cost breakdown for Route 1:
- Gas: $9.50
- Tolls (if applicable): $2.50 to $9.40 (round trip)
Route 2: Bangerter Highway, then I-15 South
For an alternative route that provides easy access to I-15 South, consider taking Bangerter Highway to the 14600 South exit. This road runs parallel to I-15 and can often be less congested, especially during busy travel times.
The total distance for this route is about 22 miles, with an estimated driving time of just over 25 minutes without traffic. While this makes it slightly shorter than the I-15 South route, you'll still need to budget for gas and the possibility of tolls.
Using the same gas estimates as Route 1, you can expect to spend around $7.50 on gas for this route. It's worth noting, however, that Bangerter Highway has several stoplights and is known for its heavy traffic. This could impact your gas mileage and ultimately increase the cost of the trip.
As far as tolls go, taking Bangerter Highway doesn't impact the cost of the trip. However, if you choose to take the Mountain View Corridor toll road, the cost breakdown would be similar to that of I-15 South.
Total estimated cost breakdown for Route 2:
- Gas: $7.50
- Tolls (if applicable): $2.50 to $9.40 (round trip)
Route 3: I-15 South with Carpool Lanes
For a cost-conscious and environmentally friendly option, consider taking advantage of the I-15's high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes. These carpool lanes are designed to encourage ridesharing and reduce traffic congestion.
By carpooling with at least one other person, you can use the HOV lanes on I-15 South and avoid the tolls that come with other routes. You'll also save money on gas, as carpooling reduces the amount of fuel used per person.
According to the Utah Department of Transportation, carpools must have at least two occupants to use the HOV lanes during peak hours (6:30-9:00 a.m. and 3:30-6:30 p.m.). Outside of these hours, the lanes are open to single-occupant vehicles as well.
If you're able to carpool, this could be the cheapest and most efficient route option for your trip. Depending on the cost of gas and the number of people in your carpool, you could spend as little as $5 on gas for the entire trip.
Total estimated cost breakdown for Route 3:
- Gas: $5 (approximate, based on carpool)
- Tolls: $0
Conclusion
After considering the different route options and associated costs, it's clear that there is no one-size-fits-all solution for traveling from Bluffdale to Orem. Each route has its own benefits and drawbacks, depending on your budget, time constraints, and travel preferences.
Based on the prices of gas and tolls as of this writing, Route 3 (I-15 South with carpool lanes) is the most cost-effective option. Not only does carpooling save money on gas and tolls, but it also reduces traffic congestion and helps keep the environment clean.
No matter which route you choose, remember to plan ahead, budget accordingly, and stay safe on the road. With a little research and preparation, you can enjoy your trip from Bluffdale to Orem without breaking the bank.