The Cost of a Trip between Brandon, Florida and Silverdale, Washington
The United States stretches across 3.8 million square miles, with over 3.9 million miles of roads. With such an extensive road network, it's possible to drive from one end of the country to another. The trip from Brandon, Florida to Silverdale, Washington is approximately 3,200 miles. Driving across the country can be an adventure, but it also requires planning and preparation to ensure you stay within your budget. In this article, we'll estimate the cost of a trip between Brandon, Florida, and Silverdale, Washington, based on current gas prices.
Possible Routes
There are several possible routes to take from Brandon to Silverdale. Here are some of the most practical options:
Route via I-10 W and I-5 N
This route is the shortest distance to Silverdale, Washington, but it's also the most expensive because of driving through two toll roads. From Brandon, FL, go west to Pensacola through I-10 W and go north upon reaching I-5 N, which takes you directly to Silverdale. The total driving distance is approximately 3,260 miles. Using a fuel-efficient car that averages 35 MPG and with the current gas prices, this route will cost about $375.62.
Route via I-20 W, I-49 N, and I-5 N
This route is longer than the previous route, but it doesn't involve driving through any toll roads. From Brandon, FL, go west to Texas through I-20 W and go north upon reaching I-49 N and continue driving until reaching I-5 N, which takes you directly to Silverdale, Washington. This route covers approximately 3,310 miles. Using a fuel-efficient car at 35 MPG and current gas prices, this route will cost about $364.75.
Route via I-10 W, I-20 W, I-5 N
This route selects the I-10 W first and prepares for the longest drive of this road trip. From Brandon, FL, travel into I-10 W, pass by San Antonio, then move into the next route, I-20 W, until you reach I-5 N, which will carry on the remaining trip up to Silverdale. This route is around 3,450 miles long. Using a car that averages 35 MPG and current gas prices, this route will cost about $381.31.
Route via I-75 N, I-24 W, I-40 W, and I-5 N
This route is the longest but offers some spectacular views of the American countryside. From Brandon, FL, go north into I-75 N, then go west into I-24, which merges into I-40 W, and finally reach I-5 N to go up to Silverdale. This route covers approximately 3,550 miles. Using a car that averages 35 MPG and current gas prices, this route will cost about $393.54.
Cost Comparison
| Route | Distance | Gas cost |
|---|---|---|
| I-10 W and I-5 N | ~3,260 mi | $375.62 |
| I-20 W, I-49 N, I-5 N | ~3,310 mi | $364.75 |
| I-10 W, I-20 W, I-5 N | ~3,450 mi | $381.31 |
| I-75 N, I-24 W, I-40 W, I-5 N | ~3,550 mi | $393.54 |
As seen in the table, the cheapest route in terms of fuel cost is the trip that solely passes I-20 and I-5 N. This route boasts long scenic areas and avoids toll roads. The rest of the routes have minimal differences in pricing while also having various attractions and features to explore.
Final Recommendation
Based on the cost and distance comparison, I recommend taking the I-20 W, I-49 N, and I-5 N route. This road trip takes about 50 to 55 hours of non-stop driving. It's essential to prepare for rest breaks and hotel accommodations to avoid driving fatigue. With the distance covered, there is significant merit to take turns with driving shifts or planning for longer resting breaks. While staying within budget, remember to allocate costs of car maintenance, meals, and any other road trip necessities. Safe travels!
Conclusion
Traveling between Brandon, Florida, and Silverdale, Washington, requires careful planning. The cost of the trip depends on various factors such as the current gas prices, vehicle fuel efficiency, and the chosen route. To save on gas, I highly recommend selecting the I-20 W, I-49 N, and I-5 N route for fuel savings of around $11 compared to the shortest route. Regardless of the route, take time to enjoy the journey and be open to the road's unique features and destinations.