Driving Cost from Bozeman, Montana to San Francisco, California

A picture depicting a gas pump

Exploring the Cost of a Road Trip from Bozeman, Montana to San Francisco, California at Current Gas Prices

Are you planning a road trip to San Francisco from Bozeman? You'll have to travel a distance of over 1,100 miles, which means you should be ready for a long yet exciting journey. Besides packing the necessary essentials and planning an itinerary, it's also crucial to understand the cost of the trip based on current gas prices. Below, we explore the different possible routes, their distances and costs, and recommend the best route to take.

Possible Routes and their Costs

The first thing you need to understand before embarking on a road trip is the cost of fuel. The average gas price in Montana is currently around $3.15 per gallon. California has a higher gas price at around $4.26 per gallon. The average passenger vehicle has a fuel capacity of around 14.5 gallons, which means a full tank will cost around $47 in Montana and around $62 in California.

Route 1: Via I-80 West

This route is approximately 979 miles long and takes about 15 hours and 30 minutes of driving time. It involves taking I-90 West to I-15 South in Butte, MT, and then connecting to I-80 West in Salt Lake City, UT. The route will then take you through Northern Nevada's wide-open spaces and the Sierra Nevada Mountains in California.

According to the fuel cost calculator, the total cost of fuel for this entire trip is approximately $180, which takes into account the low gas prices in Montana. You'll probably need to fill up your tank at least four times which will cost around $238.

Route 2: Via I-90 West and I-84 West

This route is approximately 1100 miles long and takes about 17 hours and 30 minutes of driving time. It involves taking I-90 West and then connecting I-84 West in Boise, Idaho, and then traveling through Eastern Oregon to Northern California and eventually reaching San Francisco.

The total cost of fuel for this entire trip is approximately $211, which takes into account the low gas prices in Montana. You'll probably need to fill up your tank at least four times which will cost around $280.

Route 3: Via I-90 West, I-84 West and CA-299 W

This route is approximately 1,200 miles long and takes about 19 hours of driving time. It involves taking the same route as Route 2, but instead of using I-5 S, you'll take CA-299 W, which passes through the Lassen National Forest and then connect to I-5 South, which will then take you straight to San Francisco.

The total cost of fuel for this entire trip is approximately $234, which takes into account the low gas prices in Montana. You'll probably need to fill up your tank at least four times which will cost around $312.

Based on the cost and distance, we recommend Route 2 as the best option because it's the shortest route. It provides travelers with beautiful scenic views of Eastern Oregon and Northern California. You can also make a pitstop at Craters of the Moon National Monument in Idaho, which is a great place to stretch your legs and take breathtaking photos.

The cost of fuel for this route is also cheaper than Route 3, which includes taking CA-299 W. You'll need to fill up your tank at least four times, which is not too bad considering the long distance. It's, therefore, crucial to plan your budget beforehand, taking into consideration factors such as food, lodging, and other possible expenses.

In Conclusion

A trip from Bozeman to San Francisco promises to be a memorable one, provided you plan adequately and understand the cost implications. It's also important to ensure that you fill up your tank regularly and map out your stops along the way. Route 2 via I-90 West and I-84 West is the most recommended route due to its short distance and lower fuel costs. The beautiful sceneries along the way will make the trip more enjoyable and help ease the long hours of driving. We wish you a safe and fun-filled journey!