Driving Cost from Bakersfield, California to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

A picture depicting a gas pump

Cost of a Trip between Bakersfield, California and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Are you planning a road trip from Bakersfield, California to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania? One of the most important factors to consider is the cost of the trip, especially with fluctuating gas prices. In this article, we will break down the different possible routes, highlighting the cost and distance of each one. By the end, we will recommend the best route for your journey based on current gas prices.

Possible Routes

Route 1: The Northern Route

The first possible route to consider is the northern route. This route takes you through California, Nevada, and then along the northern states of Utah, Colorado, Nebraska, Iowa, and finally Pennsylvania. The advantage of this route is that it avoids the mountainous regions of the southern states, which can save on gas consumption due to fewer steep ascents and descents.

While the northern route may be slightly longer, coming in at approximately 2,900 miles, it offers a more direct path from Bakersfield to Philadelphia. Gas prices along this route can vary, but let's assume an average cost of $3.00 per gallon for this analysis.

Considering a vehicle that offers an average of 25 miles per gallon, the estimated cost of gas for this route would be:

2,900 miles / 25 miles per gallon = 116 gallons of gas 116 gallons x $3.00 per gallon = $348.00

Therefore, if you choose to take the northern route, you can expect to spend around $348.00 on gas alone.

Route 2: The Southern Route

The second option is the southern route, which takes you through Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and finally Pennsylvania. This route is slightly shorter but involves driving through more mountainous regions, potentially affecting your gas mileage.

Measuring approximately 2,700 miles, the southern route may seem appealing due to its shorter distance. Let's assume the same average gas price of $3.00 per gallon.

Using the same vehicle's average mileage of 25 miles per gallon, the estimated cost of gas for this route would be:

2,700 miles / 25 miles per gallon = 108 gallons of gas 108 gallons x $3.00 per gallon = $324.00

Taking the southern route, you can anticipate spending around $324.00 on gas.

Route 3: The Central Route

The third option is the central route, which presents a middle ground between the northern and southern routes. This route takes you through California, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Tennessee, Kentucky, West Virginia, and finally Pennsylvania.

With approximately 2,800 miles to cover, the central route offers an alternative route that avoids the extreme mountainous regions of both the northern and southern routes. Again, we will assume an average gas price of $3.00 per gallon.

Using the same vehicle's average mileage of 25 miles per gallon, the estimated cost of gas for this route would be:

2,800 miles / 25 miles per gallon = 112 gallons of gas 112 gallons x $3.00 per gallon = $336.00

Taking the central route would require a gas expenditure of approximately $336.00.

All three routes offer different advantages and disadvantages in terms of distance, terrain, and potential gas mileage. Based on our analysis, we recommend taking the central route for several reasons:

  1. The central route offers a balance between distance and avoiding excessively mountainous terrain.
  2. While this route is not the shortest, it is more direct than the northern route, potentially saving time and reducing fatigue.
  3. The central route also provides the opportunity to experience diverse landscapes, without encountering extreme altitudes.

Therefore, the central route is the best option in terms of cost-efficiency, distance, and overall driving experience.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you are considering a trip from Bakersfield, California to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, it's important to factor in the cost of gas. By choosing the central route, you can expect to spend approximately $336.00 on gas, assuming an average of $3.00 per gallon and a vehicle that offers an average mileage of 25 miles per gallon.

The journey covers approximately 2,800 miles and, depending on driving conditions, the trip can take around 40-45 hours to complete. Keep in mind that actual gas prices may vary and it is always recommended to stay updated on current prices before embarking on any road trip.

Safe travels and enjoy your journey from the West Coast to the East Coast!