The Cost of Driving From California to Arizona: How Much Will it Really Cost You?

For many people, taking a road trip from California to Arizona is a great way to explore the Southwest. Located just east of the Golden State, Arizona is home to stunning landscapes, incredible natural wonders, and thriving cities like Phoenix and Tucson. However, before you hit the open road, it's important to understand how much it will cost you to make the trip. In this blog post, we'll break down the cost of driving from California to Arizona based on current gas prices.

Route 1: Los Angeles to Phoenix

If you're starting your journey in Los Angeles and want to end up in Phoenix, your best bet is to take the I-10 East all the way. This route is just over 380 miles long and takes about 5 hours without stopping. Based on current gas prices, it will cost you around $51.30 in total for a one-way trip. This includes both the cost of gas (based on an average of $3.75 per gallon) and any toll fees you may encounter along the way.

Route 2: San Francisco to Grand Canyon

If you're coming from the San Francisco area and want to visit the Grand Canyon, your journey will be a little longer. The most direct route is to take the I-5 south to the I-40 East, which will eventually lead you to the Grand Canyon National Park. This route is about 790 miles long and takes approximately 12 hours without any stops. For a one-way trip, you can expect to pay around $107 in total for gas (based on an average of $3.75 per gallon) and toll fees.

Route 3: Sacramento to Tucson

For those in the Sacramento area who are looking to head to Tucson, taking the I-5 South to the I-10 East is your best bet. This route is just over 1000 miles long and takes approximately 15 hours without any stops. Based on current gas prices, you can expect to pay around $135 in total for a one-way trip. This includes both the cost of gas (based on an average of $3.75 per gallon) and any toll fees you may encounter along the way.

Route 4: San Diego to Sedona

Finally, if you're coming from San Diego and want to visit Sedona, you'll likely want to take the I-8 East to the I-10 East, and then head north on the I-17. This route is just over 400 miles long and takes approximately 6 hours without any stops. Based on current gas prices, you can expect to pay around $55 in total for a one-way trip. This includes both the cost of gas (based on an average of $3.75 per gallon) and any toll fees you may encounter along the way.

In conclusion, the cost of driving from California to Arizona varies depending on your preferred route and where you're starting from. However, by using the estimated prices outlined above, you can get a good sense of what to expect when it comes to the total cost of your trip. So, fill up your gas tank, round up your friends, and get ready for an adventure in the Southwest!