Getting from Brentwood to Los Angeles: The Cost of Gas

If you're planning a trip from Brentwood to Los Angeles, one of the biggest factors to consider will be the cost of gas. With gas prices constantly fluctuating, it's important to know where you can find the best prices and what kind of costs you can expect for your journey.

Route Options

There are several routes you can take when traveling from Brentwood to Los Angeles, each with its own pros and cons when it comes to gas prices and distance. Some of the most commonly used routes include:

I-405 South

Arguably the most direct route between Brentwood and Los Angeles, taking I-405 South will get you to downtown LA in about 30 minutes. However, this route has drawbacks - namely, traffic. Depending on the time of day, you could spend a significant amount of time sitting in congestion and burning extra gas.

According to gas price tracking site GasBuddy, as of early 2021 the average price for regular unleaded gas along I-405 near Brentwood is around $3.25 per gallon.

I-10 East

Another major route running from the west side of Los Angeles to downtown is I-10, which passes just south of Brentwood before heading east. This route is often considered slightly less congested than I-405, but may be slightly longer in terms of distance.

Gas prices along this route are similar to I-405, with averages around $3.25 per gallon.

Sunset Boulevard / Santa Monica Boulevard

If you're looking for a more scenic route, consider taking city streets like Sunset Boulevard or Santa Monica Boulevard. While slightly slower than the freeway options, these roads take you through some of the most interesting parts of LA's west side, including Beverly Hills and West Hollywood.

However, because these routes are heavily trafficked by locals as well as visitors, gas prices may be higher - GasBuddy lists averages of $3.30 per gallon in these areas.

Best Route for Gas Savings

Given the above options, which is the best route to choosing if you want to save gas? Based on distance, traffic congestion, and typical gas prices, we recommend taking I-10 East.

While this route may be slightly longer in terms of distance, it generally sees less congestion than I-405. Additionally, the gas prices along I-10 are very similar to those on I-405, so you won't be sacrificing savings for convenience.

Conclusion

With gas prices as one of the most significant expenses for road travel, it's important to carefully consider your driving route before embarking on your journey from Brentwood to Los Angeles. While taking the most direct route may seem like the best option initially, traffic congestion can greatly increase your gas usage, leading to a higher overall cost. By taking a more long-distance but less congested route like I-10, you can save money and arrive at your destination in a timely manner.