The Cost of a Road Trip: Bakersfield, CA to Washington, DC

Are you planning on a summer road trip from Bakersfield, CA to Washington, DC? If so, have you calculated the cost of gas and tolls you will be spending? Fear not, we’ve got you covered. In this post, we’ll discuss the different routes you can take and the estimated cost of each.

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

The first route we suggest is taking I-40 E and I-81 N. The total distance is 2,801 miles, and it takes an estimated 41 hours to reach your destination. If you are driving a car that gets around 25 miles per gallon and gas prices are $3.12 per gallon, you will spend approximately $336 on gas. There are no tolls on this route, making it the cheapest option.

Route 2: I-40 E, I-81 N, and I-66 E

The second route we suggest is adding an exit to I-66 E to your journey, making the total distance 2,859 miles. This route will take an estimated 42 hours to reach your destination. The total cost of gas will be roughly $348, still based on a car getting around 25 miles per gallon and gas prices at $3.12 per gallon. There are a few tolls on this route, with a total of $28.40 in toll fees.

Route 3: I-40 E, US-50 E, I-70 E, and I-68 E

The third route we suggest is the longest route, stretching 2,967 miles in total distance, resulting in an estimated travel time of 44 hours. The estimated cost of gas for this trip is approximately $366 based on 25 miles per gallon and $3.12 per gallon gas prices. You will also encounter several tolls on this route, with a total cost of $43.50.

As you can see, the cost varies based on the chosen route you take. Nonetheless, a road trip is an excellent opportunity to see the United States' beautiful countryside with friends and family, resulting in some unforgettable memories. Be sure to stock your cooler with snacks, hit the gas station, and sing your heart out with that playlist you’ve been dying to play on full volume. Safe travels!