Driving Cost from Boise, Idaho to Ocean Shores, Washington

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The Cost of a Trip between Boise, Idaho and Ocean Shores, Washington based on Current Gas Prices

The United States is a vast country, and sometimes you need to travel long distances to reach your destination. Suppose you are planning a trip from Boise, Idaho, to Ocean Shores, Washington. In that case, you may wonder how much money you need to spend on gas, and what is the most cost-efficient route. This article aims to answer your questions by exploring various routes, their distance, and cost. We will also recommend the best option for you, so you can plan your trip wisely and save money.

Different Possible Routes

To get to Ocean Shores, Washington, from Boise, Idaho, you have several routes to choose from. Depending on your preference and time constraints, you can opt for the fastest or most scenic route. Here are some possible routes:

  1. I-84 W and I-5 N Route: This route is the fastest and most direct, covering a total distance of 633 miles. You will take I-84 W for 330 miles from Boise to Portland, then switch to I-5 N for 303 miles to reach Ocean Shores. This option takes approximately 9 hours and 40 minutes.

  2. US-95 N and US-195 N Route: This route is slower than the first one but offers an opportunity to enjoy the eastern Washington landscape. It spans a total distance of 697 miles, and you will take US-95 N for 410 miles from Boise to Spokane, then switch to US-195 N for 287 miles to reach Ocean Shores. This option takes approximately 14 hours and 16 minutes.

  3. I-84 W and US-97 N Route: This route takes you through the scenic Columbia River Gorge and offers breathtaking views of mountains and rivers. It covers a total distance of 768 miles, and you will take I-84 W for 329 miles from Boise to The Dalles, then switch to US-97 N for 246 miles to reach Wenatchee and finally take US-2 W and US-12 W for 193 miles to reach Ocean Shores. This option takes approximately 15 hours and 39 minutes.

  4. OR-19 N and US-101 N Route: This route is the most scenic, taking you through the Oregon Coast and Washington Coast. It spans a total distance of 805 miles, and you will take OR-19 N for 161 miles from Boise to Newport, then switch to US-101 N for 639 miles to reach Ocean Shores. This option takes approximately 19 hours and 1 minute.

The Cost and Distance of Each Route

Gas prices vary depending on the state and location. As of April 2021, the national average gas price is $2.87 per gallon. Based on this price, we have calculated the estimated cost and distance of each route. Here are the details:

  1. I-84 W and I-5 N Route: The distance for this route is 633 miles, and if your car has an average fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, you will need 25.3 gallons of gas for the trip. Multiply this by $2.87 per gallon, and your estimated cost for gas is $72.68 one-way.

  2. US-95 N and US-195 N Route: The distance for this route is 697 miles, and if your car has an average fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, you will need 27.9 gallons of gas for the trip. Multiply this by $2.87 per gallon, and your estimated cost for gas is $80.23 one-way.

  3. I-84 W and US-97 N Route: The distance for this route is 768 miles, and if your car has an average fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, you will need 30.7 gallons of gas for the trip. Multiply this by $2.87 per gallon, and your estimated cost for gas is $88.07 one-way.

  4. OR-19 N and US-101 N Route: The distance for this route is 805 miles, and if your car has an average fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, you will need 32.2 gallons of gas for the trip. Multiply this by $2.87 per gallon, and your estimated cost for gas is $92.36 one-way.

The Best Route

Based on the above calculations, the I-84 W and I-5 N Route is the most cost-effective route, with a one-way estimated cost of $72.68. It is also the fastest, taking only 9 hours and 40 minutes. Although other routes offer scenic views, they take much longer and are more expensive.

If you have time and want to explore the eastern Washington landscape or the Oregon and Washington Coast, you can consider other routes. Still, be aware of the additional cost and time commitment involved.

Conclusion

Planning a long-distance trip can be challenging, especially when it comes to budgeting. However, with the right information, you can make an informed decision and save money on gas. If you are traveling from Boise, Idaho, to Ocean Shores, Washington, we recommend taking the I-84 W and I-5 N Route, which offers a balance between cost and time. The distance is 633 miles, and the one-way estimated cost for gas is $72.68 based on the current gas prices. It may take some time to reach your destination, but with the right company and music, the trip can be a memorable experience.