The Cost of a Road Trip from Bothell to Bakersfield

Introduction

Are you planning a trip from Bothell, Washington to Bakersfield, California? This article will help you determine the cost of your road trip. We will discuss different routes, the cost of gasoline, and other expenses that you may incur.

The Road Trip Routes

There are several routes that you can take from Bothell to Bakersfield. The most common routes are:

Route 1: I-5 South and CA-99 South

The shortest and most direct route is to take Interstate 5 south from Bothell to Bakersfield. This route is approximately 1,030 miles long and takes about 15 hours to drive. This route is recommended for those who want to get to their destination as quickly as possible.

Route 2: US-97 South and US-395 South

Another possible route is to take US-97 South and US-395 South. This route is approximately 1,140 miles long and takes about 17 hours to drive. This route offers scenic views of the Cascade Mountains and Eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains. However, it adds extra distance and time to the trip.

Route 3: I-84 East and I-80 West

The third possible route is to take Interstate 84 east to Salt Lake City, then take Interstate 80 west to Bakersfield. This route is approximately 1,450 miles long and takes about 22 hours to drive. This route offers scenic views of the Rocky Mountains and the Great Salt Lake. However, it is the longest and most time-consuming option.

The Cost of Gasoline

Gas is one of the major expenses you will incur on your road trip. Gas prices vary depending on the state and region you are driving through. According to AAA's Daily Fuel Gauge Report, the average price of gas in Washington State is $3.29 per gallon as of August 2021. In California, the average price of gas is $4.38 per gallon.

Assuming your vehicle gets 25 miles per gallon on the highway, and you take Route 1, you will need about 41 gallons of gas to get to Bakersfield. The total cost of gasoline for this trip will be approximately $171 in Washington State and $179 in California. If you take Route 2 or Route 3, you'll need to factor in the extra distance traveled and adjust your gas budget accordingly.

Other Expenses

In addition to gas, you will also need to budget for other expenses such as food, lodging, and tolls. Depending on your needs and travel style, these expenses can add up quickly. We recommend creating a budget for your trip to keep track of your expenses and avoid overspending.

Conclusion

Overall, the cost of a road trip from Bothell, Washington to Bakersfield, California will vary depending on the routes you take and the expenses you incur. The cheapest option is Route 1, which costs approximately $171 in gas in Washington State and $179 in California. However, if you want to enjoy the scenic beauty of the Cascade and Sierra Nevada Mountains, you may want to consider Route 2. Route 3 is the longest route and may not be the best option unless you have extra time to spare.

No matter which route you choose, be sure to plan ahead, budget carefully, and enjoy your road trip adventure!