The Cost of a Trip Between Brooks and Portland: Navigating Current Gas Prices

When planning a trip between Brooks, Oregon and Portland, Oregon, one of the most important factors to consider is the cost of transportation. With fluctuating gas prices, it can be challenging to determine the most affordable and efficient route for your journey. This article will analyze the different possible routes between Brooks and Portland, highlighting the costs and distances of each. After examining each option, we will recommend the best route based on current gas prices.

Brooks and Portland: an Overview

Brooks is a small city located in Marion County, Oregon, about 45 miles south of Portland. It has a population of 4,000 people, and is known for its proximity to the Willamette River and the Champoeg State Heritage Area. Portland, on the other hand, is one of the largest cities in the Pacific Northwest, with a population of over 650,000 people. It is home to many popular attractions, including Powell's City of Books, the Portland Art Museum, and the Oregon Zoo.

Possible Routes

Route 1: I-5 S

The most direct route between Brooks and Portland is via I-5 S. This route takes you directly from Brooks to Portland in approximately 43 minutes. The total distance is 45.5 miles, and the cost of gas for this trip would be around $6.40 based on the current national average gas price of $2.73 per gallon.

Route 2: OR-99E N

Another option is to take OR-99E N, which runs parallel to I-5 S, but is a more direct route for those coming from the western part of Brooks. This route takes you on a more scenic drive through small towns and farmland, but is slightly longer than I-5 S at 47.4 miles. The cost of gas for this trip would be approximately $6.76.

Route 3: I-5 N and I-405 N

For those willing to take a longer route, I-5 N and I-405 N provide an alternate option. This route takes you from Brooks to Portland and is approximately 58.5 miles long. This route takes longer because of the slightly longer distance and increased city traffic. The cost of gas for this trip would be around $8.21 based on current gas prices.

Our Recommendation

Based on the cost and distance comparisons, I-5 S is the most affordable and efficient route for those traveling between Brooks and Portland. Although OR-99E N may provide a more scenic route, the cost difference between the two routes is negligible, and I-5 S will save you time and money. I-5 N and I-405 N should only be considered if there are traffic concerns on I-5 S or if your final destination is near that route.

Conclusion

Navigating gas prices can be challenging when planning a trip, but it is essential to consider the cost of transportation when budgeting for any journey. Brooks and Portland are relatively close to each other, so there are many options to choose from when traveling between the two cities. We recommend taking I-5 S, which is the most cost-effective and efficient route available. This route will take you directly to Portland in around 43 minutes, and the cost of gas will be around $6.40 based on current averages.