The Cost of a Trip between Boise, Idaho and Westwood, California with Current Gas Prices
Planning a road trip from Boise, Idaho, to Westwood, California, and need to know how much it will cost you in gas? With gas prices seemingly always fluctuating, it can be tough to estimate how much it will cost to fuel up your car, truck, or SUV during your trip. Let’s break down the different routes you can take, the distance of each one, and the cost associated with fueling up for each route. Keep in mind that the figures used in this article are based on national average gas prices as of August 2021 and your own experience may vary.
Route 1: I-84 W and I-5 S
The first and most direct route from Boise to Westwood is to take I-84 W and I-5 S. This route is 767 miles and is predicted to take over 11 hours and 46 minutes to drive. The cost of gas would be around $110.60 for a car with a 14-gallon gas tank and averaging 25 miles per gallon. This route is the most direct but is more in distance and cost.
Route 2: US-93 S to NV-318 E and I-40 West
This route is slightly less direct than the previous option but has a different appeal to it. While it starts by heading south on US-93 S, you’ll also change routes and take the NV-318 E and I-40 W for a total of 833 miles. This route is predicted to take around 14 hours and 49 minutes to complete and requires an estimated $122.60 in gas costs based on a car with a 14-gallon tank and an average of 25 miles per gallon.
Route 3: US-20 W to US-395 S and State Route 70
This option sees you take US-20 W heading west before merging onto US-395 S and finishing with California State Route 70. This route measures up at a considerable 873.4 miles, which is predicted to take around 14 hours and 53 minutes to complete. The estimated cost of gas on this route would be $128.92 for a vehicle averaging 25 miles per gallon and with a 14-gallon gas tank.
Route 4: The Scenic Route
For those who don`t want to stick to the highways, California State Route 70 is a gorgeous drive through the mountains and along the Feather River with the 3-hour journey being more scenic than practical. This route will end up being longer than the previously mentioned options but provides beautiful views, fresh air and small towns to stop in for supplies or photo opportunities. The route is just over 10 hours of driving with a distance of just over 604 miles.
Which Route is the Best Choice?
As you can see, each of the routes above has its pros and cons in terms of distance traveled, time spent driving, and estimated gas costs. However, if you're after the cheapest option, I-84 W and I-5 S is your best choice. If you’re after scenic drives, State Route 70 is the way to go. However, it’s worth noting that the cost of gas is estimated to be highest on this route.
Overall, the best route for your trip from Boise, Idaho, to Westwood, California, will vary depending on your priorities. Be sure to consider the various costs associated with each, including potential food and accommodation costs if you're looking at a multi-day trip, to make the most informed decision for your journey.
Conclusion
Now you have a better understanding of the routes you can take from Boise, Idaho, to Westwood, California, and what to expect when it comes to gas prices, travel time, and distance traveled for each. Ultimately, your best option depends on your priorities for the trip, such as scenic drives or the shortest travel time possible. Regardless of your choice, be sure to plan your trip out in advance to maximize your adventure and minimize surprises. Safe travels!