The Cost of a Trip between Carrollton, Texas and San Diego, California: A Guide Based on Current Gas Prices
If you're planning a road trip from Carrollton, Texas to San Diego, California, you may be wondering about the cost of gas, accommodations, and meals along the way. To help you plan your journey, we've put together a guide to the trip that includes information on the different possible routes, how much they cost, and how long they take. Keep reading to learn more!
Possible Routes
There are several different routes you can take from Carrollton, Texas to San Diego, California, each with its own pros and cons. Here are four of the most popular routes:
Route 1: I-40 and I-15
This route takes you west on I-40 through New Mexico and Arizona, then south on I-15 through Nevada. It covers a total of approximately 1,300 miles.
Pros: This route is the most direct and takes you through some scenic desert landscapes. It also has plenty of gas stations and rest stops along the way.
Cons: I-15 is notorious for its heavy traffic, especially in the Los Angeles area, which can add significant time to your journey. Additionally, this route does not take you through any major towns or cities, so you may miss out on some interesting stops.
Route 2: I-20 and I-10
This route takes you south on I-20 through West Texas, then west on I-10 through Arizona and southern California. It covers a total of approximately 1,600 miles.
Pros: This route takes you through several interesting towns and cities, including El Paso, Tucson, and Phoenix. It also offers several scenic views along the way.
Cons: This route is longer than Route 1 and can add significant time to your journey. Additionally, it may not offer as many gas stations and rest stops along the way.
Route 3: US-287 and I-35
This route takes you west on US-287 through the Texas Panhandle, then south on I-35 through New Mexico and Arizona. It covers a total of approximately 1,400 miles.
Pros: This route takes you through some stunning landscapes, including the Palo Duro Canyon and the Petrified Forest National Park. It also has several interesting towns and cities along the way, including Amarillo and Albuquerque.
Cons: This route can be challenging in bad weather conditions, as much of it is on two-lane highways. Additionally, it may not offer as many gas stations and rest stops as some of the other routes.
Route 4: I-20 and I-8
This route takes you west on I-20 through West Texas, then southwest on I-10 and I-8 through Arizona and southern California. It covers a total of approximately 1,500 miles.
Pros: This route takes you through some beautiful desert landscapes and offers several interesting towns and cities along the way, including Yuma and El Centro. It also has plenty of rest stops and gas stations along the way.
Cons: This route can be longer than some of the other options and may not offer as many scenic vistas as some of the other routes. Additionally, it can be very hot in the desert areas during the summer months.
Cost and Distance of Each Route
To help you compare the different routes, here's a breakdown of the approximate cost and distance for each one, assuming a car that gets 25 miles per gallon and gas prices of $3.00 per gallon:
| Route | Distance | Cost of Gas (one way) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1,300 mi | $156.00 |
| 2 | 1,600 mi | $192.00 |
| 3 | 1,400 mi | $168.00 |
| 4 | 1,500 mi | $180.00 |
Keep in mind, though, that gas prices can vary based on where you're stopping for fuel. You may also want to factor in the cost of lodgings and meals along the way.
Our Recommendation
Based on the information above, we recommend Route 3: US-287 and I-35. This route offers the most interesting stops along the way, including some stunning views of the American Southwest. Additionally, it's not as long as Route 2 or Route 4, which means you'll spend less time on the road and more time enjoying your trip.
Conclusion
In all, the trip from Carrollton, Texas to San Diego, California is a long one, but it can be a rewarding one, too. By taking the time to plan your route, you can ensure that you get the most out of your road trip while staying within your budget. We hope this guide has helped you make your decision and wish you a safe and enjoyable journey!