The Cost of Driving From Anaheim to Portland Based on Current Gas Prices

Are you planning a road trip from Anaheim, California to Portland, Oregon? It's a long journey, but with the right route and some good planning, it can be a fun and affordable adventure! Let's take a look at some of the different routes you can take, the distance of each route, the time it takes, and the cost of each one based on current gas prices.

Route 1: The I-5

The most direct route from Anaheim to Portland is via the I-5, which covers a distance of approximately 978 miles. This route will take you through some of California's major cities like Los Angeles, Sacramento, and Redding, all the way up through Oregon to Portland. It's the quickest way to get there, and it's also toll-free!

But how much will it cost you? With current gas prices averaging around $3.15 per gallon, and the average car getting about 25 miles per gallon on the highway, the total cost of gas for this trip will be around $150. It should take about 15-17 hours depending on stops and traffic.

Route 2: The Coast

If you have more time and want to take a scenic route, driving up the coast from Anaheim to Portland is a great option. This route covers a total distance of approximately 1,362 miles and will take you along some of California's most beautiful coastal towns like Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Big Sur, San Francisco, and Ukiah. You'll also get the chance to drive over the Golden Gate Bridge and explore some of Oregon's stunning coastal scenery.

But because you'll be driving on much more winding and slower roads, you'll need to budget extra time and gas. This route is likely to take you around 24 hours and cost you around $200 in gas due to the lower fuel efficiency of the slower driving parts.

Route 3: Tri-Cities and Yakima

Lastly, if you don't want to take the I-5 but also aren't in the mood for a long coastal drive, you can opt to take a more interior route via Tri-Cities and Yakima as you head up to Portland. This route covers a distance of around 1,040 miles and takes you through some of eastern Washington's beautiful wine country and farmland.

But remember, this route has more elevation changes and can be quite hilly in places. This can mean more wear on your vehicle and lower gas mileage, leading to a total gas cost of around $175. This drive is likely to take 19-20 hours depending on stops.

In conclusion, depending on the route you take, your driving adventure from Anaheim to Portland will take anywhere from under 16 hours to over 24 hours of total driving time. You can expect to pay around $150 for gas if you stick to the I-5, closer to $200 along the coast, and around $175 with the Tri-cities/Yakima route. Plan a fun trip with some great pit stops and be sure to enjoy the amazing sights along the way!