The Cost of a Trip Between Burbank and Alhambra: Finding the Most Affordable Route with Current Gas Prices

For some people, taking a trip between Burbank and Alhambra is a daily routine, while for others it might be a one-time travel plan, such as going on a weekend trip. Whatever the reason is, there are several ways to get from Burbank to Alhambra, and the cost of doing so can be affected by various factors, such as traffic situation, mode of transportation, and gas prices. In this article, we will discuss the most affordable routes to travel between these two locations, based on the current gas prices.

Different Routes and Costs

Route 1: The Fastest but Most Expensive Route

If you want the fastest route to get from Burbank to Alhambra, using the 5 freeway and then transferring to the 10 freeway is the way to go. The driving distance between these two cities is around 17 miles (27.36 km), and it takes approximately 25 minutes to arrive in Alhambra. However, this route can be the most expensive one because of the high-cost gas prices of the 5 freeway. According to AAA, the current average gas price in the state of California is around $4.35 per gallon. Suppose your car's gas mileage is around 25 miles per gallon. In that case, you would need approximately 0.68 gallons of gas to complete this route, which translates to $2.95 for a one-way trip. Therefore, a round-trip from Burbank to Alhambra would cost you around $5.90 in gas expenses.

Route 2: The Cheapest Route but with Longer Driving Time

If you are looking for a more affordable route between Burbank and Alhambra, using surface streets such as San Fernando Road and Valley Boulevard might be the solution. Though this route takes longer to driving-wise, around 45 minutes, it has the advantage of using less gas, mainly if you drive a fuel-efficient car. This route is approximately 19 miles (30.57 km) long, and you would need around 0.8 gallons of gas, which translates to $3.48, for a one-way trip based on the current gas prices. Thus, a round-trip from Burbank to Alhambra using this route will cost you around $6.96 in gas expenses.

Route 3: The Most Scenic Route but with Hitting Traffic

For those who want to explore the scenic views between Burbank and Alhambra, using route CA-2 and transferring to CA-110 is a good option. This route is approximately 20 miles (32.19 km) long, and it takes around 35 minutes to arrive at Alhambra. This route is known for scenic areas such as the Angeles National Forest. However, this advantage can also generate some inconvenience. This route is known for having heavy traffic during peak hours, mainly at the Angeles Crest Highway area. This traffic can significantly increase gas expenses, mainly if you are driving a gas-guzzling vehicle. According to the current gas prices, this route requires approximately 0.6 gallons of gas, equating to $2.62 for a one-way trip. Therefore, a round-trip using this route would cost you around $5.24 in gas expenses.

Choosing the Best Route

After looking at each route's features and costs, if gas expenses are your priority, it is evident that the cheapest and most affordable route is Route 2, which adopts San Fernando Road and Valley Boulevard. For those who crave speed and want the fastest way to get to their destination, Route 1, using the 5 freeway and then transferring to the 10 freeway, is the way to go despite being the most expensive. Route 3 may not be the most cost-effective, but it can provide excellent views and environment for people who want to explore and enjoy the travel experience, mainly during off-peak hours when traffic is less congestive.

Conclusion

The cost of a trip between Burbank and Alhambra can vary based on some reasons, mainly gas prices and the route you choose to follow. To get from Burbank to Alhambra, you can take different routes, such as using freeways or surface streets. We discussed three different routes in this article, including their distance, driving time, and gas expenses. According to the current gas prices in California, the cheapest way to get from Burbank to Alhambra is through Route 2, which adopts surface streets. However, for people who want to enjoy the speed and get through traffic quickly, Route 1 is the fastest route to take. Lastly, Route 3 can provide an excellent experience for people who crave scenery and exploration, mainly during off-peak hours to avoid heavy traffic. Regardless of the route you choose, always consider your priorities and budget before embarking on a trip.