The Cost of Driving From Alabama to Oregon: A Breakdown of Expenses

Are you planning to drive from Alabama to Oregon? If so, you're in for an exciting adventure, as you trek across the beautiful landscapes of the United States. However, before you hit the road, it's essential to know what kind of expenses you can expect on your journey. In this post, we'll highlight different routes, the distance of each route, the time it takes, and the cost of each route to help you budget for your journey.

Route 1: I-40 W

If you take Route 1, which travels via I-40 W, your journey will be approximately 2,600 miles long. According to GasBuddy.com, the average gas price for regular fuel in Alabama is $2.65 per gallon, while in Oregon, it's $3.17 per gallon. Considering an average mileage of 24 miles per gallon for a car, you'll need to make approximately 108 stops for gas.

Moreover, this route has several tolls, including the Arkansas River Bridge Tolls ($12.00), Oklahoma River Bridge Tolls ($2.00), and Texas Tolls (vary from $1.15 to $18.20 per toll plaza). If you add tolls, gas prices, and accommodation, you can expect to spend around $600 - $800 on this route, depending on your travel style and the number of people traveling with you.

Route 2: I-70 W

Route 2, which travels via I-70 W, is approximately 2,400 miles long. This route will take you through a portion of Kansas, Colorado, Utah, and Idaho before you reach Oregon. As with Route 1, you can anticipate gas stops nearly every hundred miles, and gas prices vary from state to state. Additionally, there are plenty of rest stops along the way, but the most expensive part of this route is the tolls.

The Kansas Turnpike Authority issues a toll of $3.50 for passenger vehicles, while the Colorado Department of Transportation charges $6.60. Utah charges an average of $2.00 - $6.50, depending on the type of vehicle, and Idaho charges anywhere from $1.00 - $10.00 per toll plaza, depending on the distance traveled.

With gas costs, tolls, and accommodations, you can expect to spend around $700-$900 for this journey. However, keep in mind that prices may vary from city to city, so it's essential to account for any unplanned expenses along the way.

Route 3: I-84 W

If you're looking for a faster route, then Route 3, which travels via I-84 W, might be perfect for you. This route is approximately 2,200 miles long and takes 36 hours of driving time, making it ideal for those who want to reach their destination quickly. However, it may cost you around $900-$1000.

Gas prices fluctuate here as well, and you'll need to make frequent stops to fill up. However, there are fewer tolls along this route, save for the occasional Columbia River Crossing toll, which ranges from $1.00 - $2.00.

Conclusion

Driving from Alabama to Oregon can be a fun and adventurous journey, but it's essential to know what kind of expenses you may encounter. With the information we've shared in this post, you can now better anticipate the overall cost of your trip. Remember, this is only a rough estimate, and prices can change depending on various factors, including the car you drive, the amount of luggage you carry, and the number of people traveling with you. Happy travels!