The Cost of a Trip between Bothell and Tacoma: The Latest Gas Prices

If you're planning a trip from Bothell to Tacoma or vice versa, one of the most critical factors you need to consider is the cost of gas. With current gas prices, the cost of a trip between Bothell and Tacoma can vary quite a bit depending on the route you choose and the vehicle you're driving. This article will provide you with all the details you need to make an informed choice about the cheapest route to take.

Route Options

There are three primary routes you can take when traveling from Bothell to Tacoma:

Route 1: Via Interstate-5

The most direct route between Bothell and Tacoma is via Interstate-5, which spans 130 miles. To get to Tacoma via this route, you'll need to head south on I-5 and follow the signs to Tacoma. This route typically takes around 2 hours of driving time, depending on traffic conditions.

Route 2: Via Auburn

The second route you can take when going between Bothell and Tacoma is via Auburn. To take this route, you'll need to head south on I-405 and merge onto WA-167 S via exit 2A. Follow WA-167 S until you reach Auburn, and then take WA-18 W to get to Tacoma. This route spans 76 miles and typically takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes of driving time, depending on traffic and road conditions.

Route 3: Via Gig Harbor

The third and final route option when traveling between Bothell and Tacoma is via Gig Harbor. To take this route, you'll need to head south on I-405 and merge onto WA-16 W via exit 3 toward Gig Harbor. Follow WA-16 W until you reach Tacoma. This route spans 84 miles and typically takes around 2 hours of driving time, depending on traffic and road conditions.

Gas Prices

The cost of a trip between Bothell and Tacoma can vary depending on the current gas prices. As of writing, the average gas price in Bothell is $4.11/gallon, while the average gas price in Tacoma is $3.99/gallon. This price difference may seem inconsequential, but it does add up when you're traveling long distances.

Cost Comparison

To help you decide which route to take for your trip between Bothell and Tacoma, let's do a cost comparison for each route using a hypothetical car that gets 25 mpg:

Route 1: Via Interstate-5

This route spans 130 miles, so a car that gets 25 mpg will consume around 5.2 gallons of gas. At $4.11/gallon, this trip will cost around $21.35.

Route 2: Via Auburn

This route spans 76 miles. A car that gets 25 mpg will consume around 3.04 gallons of gas. At $4.11/gallon, this trip will cost around $12.49.

Route 3: Via Gig Harbor

This route spans 84 miles. A car that gets 25 mpg will consume around 3.36 gallons of gas. At $4.11/gallon, this trip will cost around $13.80.

As you can see from the cost comparison, Route 2 via Auburn is the cheapest option, followed closely by Route 3 via Gig Harbor. Route 1 via Interstate-5 is the most expensive option.

Best Route

Based on the cost comparison and driving time, the best route to take between Bothell and Tacoma is Route 2 via Auburn. This route provides a good balance between cost and driving time, allowing you to save on gas while still arriving at your destination in a reasonable amount of time.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the cost of a trip between Bothell and Tacoma can vary depending on the route you take and the current gas prices. The cheapest option is Route 2 via Auburn, with a total gas cost of around $12.49 as of writing. With this route, you can save on gas while still arriving at your destination on time.