What It Costs to Drive from Austin, Texas to Long Beach, California

Driving from Austin, Texas to Long Beach, California is an epic road trip. The open roads and stunning scenery are well worth the drive. But before you hit the road, it's essential to understand how much this trip will cost you.

The Southern Route

One of the most popular routes to Long Beach from Austin is the Southern Route. This route takes you through Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California. The distance from Austin to Long Beach on this route is approximately 1,550 miles. It takes about 23 hours to drive this distance non-stop.

The cost of driving this route depends on the gas prices and the tolls. At the time of writing, the average gas price for a gallon of regular gas is around $2.50. This means for a vehicle that averages 25 mpg, it'll cost about $155 to fuel up. Add in the tolls, and you can expect to pay around $21.50 for the trip.

The Central Route

The Central Route is another popular option for drivers heading to Long Beach from Austin. This route takes you through Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Colorado, and Utah before you arrive in California. The distance from Austin to Long Beach on this route is approximately 1,710 miles. It takes about 25 hours to drive this distance non-stop.

The cost of driving this route depends on the gas prices and the tolls. At the time of writing, the average gas price for a gallon of regular gas is around $2.50. This means for a vehicle that averages 25 mpg, it'll cost about $171 to fuel up. Add in the tolls, and you can expect to pay around $28.50 for the trip.

The Northern Route

For those looking to make a pitstop or two, the Northern Route is an excellent option. This route takes you through Texas, New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho, Oregon, and California before you reach Long Beach. The distance from Austin to Long Beach on this route is approximately 2,090 miles. It takes about 30 hours to drive this distance non-stop.

The cost of driving this route depends on the gas prices and the tolls. At the time of writing, the average gas price for a gallon of regular gas is around $2.50. This means for a vehicle that averages 25 mpg, it'll cost about $210 to fuel up. Add in the tolls, and you can expect to pay around $15 for the trip.

Final Thoughts

Driving from Austin, Texas, to Long Beach, California is a long journey. But each route provides beautiful views and unique experiences. Before you start your trip, make sure you budget enough money for gas, tolls, and any food and lodging expenses along the way. As gas prices continue to fluctuate, it's important to research and plan your trip accordingly to keep costs low. Safe travels!