The Cost of Driving from Albuquerque to San Francisco Based on Current Gas Prices

Are you thinking of taking a road trip from Albuquerque to San Francisco? If so, you'll need to prepare for the cost of the trip. Gas prices fluctuate, and toll roads may be a necessary expense on some routes. So, we've put together this guide to help you determine the cost of driving to San Francisco.

Albuquerque to San Francisco via I-40 W and I-5 N

The most direct route from Albuquerque to San Francisco takes you through the heart of California. You'll drive approximately 1,277 miles, which will take around 19 hours without stops. If you're traveling with children or elderly passengers, you should factor in extra time for rest breaks.

Using the current gas prices average of $3.00 per gallon for regular unleaded, we can estimate that it will cost around $200 in fuel each way. Additionally, there are no toll roads on this route. So, the total cost of this road trip is approximately $400 for gas.

Albuquerque to San Francisco via I-40 W and I-80 W

If you don't mind stopping for a few extra hours or taking a more scenic route, you may want to consider taking I-40 W and I-80 W. This route is around 100 miles longer than the previous option and takes about 21 hours without stops. However, you'll pass through some fantastic sights like the Grand Canyon and the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

With gas prices averaging $3.00 per gallon, and the additional ~100 miles to travel, we can estimate the total cost in fuel will be around $210 each way. This route does not have toll roads, so the total cost will be approximately $420 for gas alone.

Albuquerque to San Francisco via I-25 S and I-40 W

If you're interested in scenic routes and don't mind driving longer hours, the I-25 S and I-40 W route may be the perfect option for you. This route is approximately 1,550 miles long and will take you around 23 to 24 hours to complete.

With a distance of roughly ~1,550 miles, and gas currently running at an average of $3.00 per gallon, you can expect to pay around $280 in fuel consumption each way. Fortunately, tolls are minimal along this route, so the total cost of travel will be approximately $560.

Conclusion

The cost of a road trip from Albuquerque to San Francisco varies based on your destination, route, and the amount of time you're willing to dedicate to travel. No matter which route you take, you'll need to factor in fuel and toll expenses to your budget. Hopefully, this guide has been helpful in assessing the cost of your next road trip.