What's the Cost of Driving from Bakersfield, California to New York City, New York?

If you're planning a road trip from Bakersfield, California to New York City, New York, you're probably wondering about the cost. The truth is, the cost of driving this distance can vary greatly depending on the route you take and the current price of gas. In this blog post, we'll break down three different routes, including the distance, time, and cost for each option based on current gas prices.

Route 1: I-40 E and I-81 N

The first and most direct option is to take Interstate 40 East and then Interstate 81 North. This takes you through a total of 2,784 miles, and the drive time is approximately 41 hours. If you're looking to get to your destination as quickly as possible, this is the route for you.

However, the cost of gas can add up quickly on this route. According to GasBuddy, the average cost of gas in California as of September 2021 is around $4 per gallon. On this route, you'll need to budget for around 89 gallons of gas, which, at $4 per gallon, works out to around $356. Additionally, you'll encounter several toll roads on this route, which can add up to around $70.

Overall, taking I-40 E and I-81 N will cost you around $426 in gas and tolls.

Route 2: I-10 E, I-20 E, and I-95 N

The second route takes you a little bit further south, but it can be a good option if you want to avoid some of the tolls on the first route. On this route, you'll take Interstate 10 East to Interstate 20 East, and then Interstate 95 North. The total distance is 3,062 miles, and the drive time is approximately 45 hours.

Although this route is a bit longer, the cost of gas is slightly lower. According to GasBuddy, the average cost of gas in California as of September 2021 is around $4 per gallon. On this route, you'll need to budget for around 100 gallons of gas, which, at $4 per gallon, works out to around $400. There are also fewer tolls on this route, which can save you some money.

Overall, taking this route will cost you around $400 in gas and tolls.

Route 3: The Scenic Route

If you're not in a hurry and want to see some of the best sights that America has to offer, there's a third option that you might want to consider. This route takes you on a more scenic drive through the southern United States, with plenty of opportunities to take in the natural beauty of the country.

Starting in Bakersfield, you'll take California State Route 58 East to Interstate 15 South and then to Interstate 10 East. From there, you'll head north on Interstate 75 and then take Interstate 81 to New York City. The total distance for this route is 3,377 miles, and the drive time is approximately 51 hours.

The cost of gas on this route is similar to Route 2, with around 100 gallons needed at a cost of around $400. There are also fewer tolls, but keep in mind that this is a longer route, so you'll likely need to budget for more food and lodging expenses along the way.

Overall, taking the scenic route will cost you around $400 in gas and tolls, plus additional expenses for food and lodging.

Conclusion

There are a variety of factors to consider when planning a road trip from Bakersfield, California to New York City, New York. Depending on your priorities, taking the quickest route, the cheapest route, or the most scenic route might be the best option for you. Regardless of which route you choose, be sure to budget for gas, tolls, food, and lodging to make your trip as enjoyable and stress-free as possible.