The Cost of a Trip between Capitola, California and Vacaville, California

Traveling from Capitola to Vacaville is a trip worth taking. The two cities are separated by an expanse of stunning scenery. And California's endless highways are the perfect backdrop for the perfect road trip. But it does come at a cost. In this article, we'll examine the different routes and their respective costs. We'll also provide you with insider tips to keep your wallet intact.

Route Options

Route 1: Via 80E and CA-12

Taking this route will take you through Davis, a small college town with a vibrant downtown. The route is approximately 131 miles long and takes roughly 2 hours and 20 minutes. It's important to note that this route has toll roads, so bring along some cash for the toll booths. Also, be sure to check the weather report since the highway can be affected by weather changes.

Route 2: Via US-101S and I-5S

This route will have you travel through Sacramento, the state capital. If you're looking for a pitstop to feast on farm-to-table eats, then Sacramento is the place to be. The route is approximately 130 miles long and takes roughly 2 hours and 40 minutes. It's not the shortest distance, but the sights along the way make it worth it.

Route 3: Via CA-17N and I-580E

Taking the Calaveras Road will lead you to this route. You'll pass the serene Lexington Reservoir and the lush redwoods of Santa Cruz mountains. And if you're looking to catch some waves, you can grab your surfboard and head to Mavericks, the famous spot for big-wave surfing off the coast of Half Moon Bay. The route is approximately 137 miles long and takes roughly 2 hours and 50 minutes.

Cost Considerations

Gas Prices

The cost of fuel varies depending on your departure location. According to gas prices on FuelEconomy.gov, as of August 23, 2021, the average price per gallon of regular gas in Capitola is $4.37 per gallon, while the cost in Vacaville is $4.13 per gallon. The gas prices can make a significant impact on the trip cost for drivers.

Tolls

If you're taking Route 1, there are some toll roads that you'll have to pay. The Antioch Bridge toll costs $7. Tolls can add up quickly so it's best to have cash on hand when traveling through the tolls.

Car Rental Costs

Renting a car in Capitola can cost you between $40 and $100 per day, depending on the type of car you choose. Be sure to factor in the car rental cost when budgeting for your trip.

Food Budget

Another cost to consider when planning a road trip is food. Since there are numerous options for dining on the way to Vacaville, it's important to leave some amount in your budget to include them. To stay on budget, you may consider packing some sandwiches or a cooler with drinks and snacks.

Best Route Recommendation

With the cost and distance information outlined, we recommend Route 3 via CA-17N and I-580E. The route provides adorable pit stops from Capitola City to Santa Cruz Mountains, Half Moon Bay, and the East Bay. This route is a perfect fit for those who want to experience the magical California trek with some stopovers. You'll not only get to travel through some scenic views of the forest but also have the opportunity to stop by the coast and soak up some sun.

Just before you get on this route, we recommend that you refuel and grab some snacks since there are toll gates in this route, and once you're past them, there are limited places to refill gas or have a meal.

Conclusion

In conclusion, taking a road trip from Capitola to Vacaville can be an excellent way to explore Northern California. By breaking down the various routes and their costs, we hope this article will help you with budgeting for your trip expenses. The best route recommendation is to take Route 3 via CA-17N and I-580E, which offers stunning views of the diversity of Northern California's landscape and is reasonably budget-friendly. Safe travels!