The Cost of a Trip Between Brea, CA and Tustin, CA: Navigating Current Gas Prices

Navigating the cost of a trip between Brea, CA and Tustin, CA can seem like a daunting task. With rising gas prices, it's important to consider all possible routes and their associated costs before hitting the road. In this article, we'll break down the different routes between these two Southern California cities and provide recommendations for the most cost-effective and time-efficient journey.

Route Options

The two primary highways connecting Brea and Tustin are the 57 and 5 freeways. In addition, there are multiple surface streets that can be utilized to travel between the two cities. Let's explore the pros and cons of each option, including cost and distance.

Route 1: 57 Freeway

The 57 freeway is a primary north-south route in Southern California. It connects Brea to Tustin through Orange and has a total distance of 9.3 miles.

Cost: In terms of gas cost, a car with an average fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon (mpg) would require 0.372 gallons for the trip. At the current California average gas price of $4.12 per gallon, the 57 freeway route would cost $1.53 one way.

Time: Assuming average traffic, this route takes approximately 12-15 minutes.

Route 2: 5 Freeway

The 5 freeway is another primary north-south route in Southern California. It also connects Brea to Tustin, but through Anaheim and Santa Ana, and has a total distance of 13.6 miles.

Cost: A car with an average fuel efficiency of 25 mpg would require 0.544 gallons for the trip. At the current California average gas price of $4.12 per gallon, the 5 freeway route would cost $2.24 one way.

Time: The 5 freeway can experience moderate to heavy traffic, so this route can take 15-20 minutes or longer depending on the time of day.

Route 3: Surface Streets

Traveling on surface streets can provide a more direct route and can avoid freeway traffic, but it can also add distance and time to a trip. Below are two possible surface street routes.

Route 3A: Imperial Hwy and Tustin Ave

This route connects Brea to Tustin through Placentia and North Tustin. It has a total distance of 10.4 miles.

Cost: A car with an average fuel efficiency of 25 mpg would require 0.416 gallons for the trip. At the current California average gas price of $4.12 per gallon, Route 3A would cost $1.71 one way.

Time: This route includes sections with stoplights, which can impact travel time. Assuming average traffic, this route would take approximately 15-20 minutes.

Route 3B: Associated Rd and Jamboree Rd

This route connects Brea to Tustin through Yorba Linda and Orange. It has a total distance of 13.8 miles.

Cost: A car with an average fuel efficiency of 25 mpg would require 0.552 gallons for the trip. At the current California average gas price of $4.12 per gallon, Route 3B would cost $2.27 one way.

Time: This route includes a mix of surface streets and several stoplights, which can impact travel time. Assuming average traffic, this route would take approximately 20-25 minutes.

Recommendation

Based on distance and cost considerations, we recommend using the 57 freeway as the most cost-effective and time-efficient route. While surface streets may provide a more direct route, the added distance and chance for traffic delays can offset any potential savings in gas cost.

Conclusion

In summary, navigating the cost of a trip between Brea and Tustin can be a challenge in today's gas price environment. By analyzing the different route options and their associated costs and distances, we hope to make the decision-making process a bit easier. In conclusion, taking the 57 freeway provides the most cost-effective and time-efficient option, with a quick and easy 12-15 minute drive between these Southern California cities.