The Cost of Driving From Aurora, Colorado to San Jose, California based on Gas Prices

Are you planning a road trip from Aurora, Colorado to San Jose, California? If so, one of the main factors to consider is the cost of the trip. Gas prices can vary greatly from state to state, and toll roads can also add to your expenses. In this blog post, we’ll explore different routes to drive from Aurora to San Jose, highlighting the distance, travel time, and cost of each option.

Route 1: I-70 W and I-80 W

This route is the fastest option, taking approximately 17 hours to complete. However, it is also the longest, covering a distance of 1,150 miles. You’ll start by driving on I-70 West towards Utah. Then, you’ll merge onto I-80 West and continue towards California.

According to GasBuddy, gas prices along this route as of August 2021 range from $3.79 to $4.39 per gallon. Based on a car with an average fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, you’ll need to budget around $165 to $191 for gas for this trip. Keep in mind that some parts of I-80 have tolls, so you may need to factor in additional expenses for tolls.

Route 2: I-25 S and I-80 W

Another option is to take I-25 South towards Denver, then merge onto I-80 West towards San Jose. This route covers a distance of approximately 1,240 miles and takes around 19 hours to complete.

Along this route, you can expect gas prices around $3.89 to $4.59 per gallon, according to GasBuddy. With an average fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, you can expect to pay around $173 to $204 for gas. Additionally, there may be tolls on some sections of I-80, which could add to your expenses.

Route 3: I-70 W and I-15 S

For a more scenic route, you can take I-70 West to Utah, then merge onto I-15 South towards Las Vegas. From there, you can take I-40 West to San Jose. This option covers a distance of approximately 1,366 miles and takes around 20 hours to complete.

According to GasBuddy, gas prices along this route as of August 2021 range from $3.79 to $4.39 per gallon. Budget around $190 to $220 for gas based on a car with an average fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon. Be aware that there may be tolls on some sections of I-15.

Route 4: US-50 W and I-80 W

If you’re looking for a scenic route that avoids tolls, consider taking US-50 West through Nevada. Then, merge onto I-80 West towards San Jose. This route covers a distance of approximately 1,324 miles and takes around 21 hours to complete.

Gas prices along this route as of August 2021 range from $3.79 to $4.39 per gallon, according to GasBuddy. With an average fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, you can expect to pay around $186 to $216 for gas. Be aware that this route doesn’t have any tolls, but it may take longer due to its scenic nature.

Conclusion

The cost of driving from Aurora, Colorado to San Jose, California can vary greatly depending on the route you take and current gas prices. As of August 2021, budget around $165 to $220 for gas alone, depending on the route. Additionally, some sections of the highways may have tolls, so factor in those expenses as well. Regardless of which route you choose, make sure you’re prepared for long hours of driving and consider splitting the trip into multiple days to avoid fatigue. Happy travels!