The Cost of a Cross-Country Trip: California to Arkansas

Are you planning a road trip from California to Arkansas? One of the factors you need to consider is the cost of the trip. There are different routes you can take, each with its own expenses. Read on to learn about the cost and distance of each route and find out the most cost-effective way to travel across the country.

Possible Routes

There are three popular routes for driving from California to Arkansas: southern route, central route, and northern route. Let's take a look at each one in detail:

Southern Route

The southern route, also known as the I-10 route, is the shortest route you can take from California to Arkansas. It covers a total distance of 1,900 miles and passes through major cities such as Phoenix, Tucson, El Paso, San Antonio, Houston, and New Orleans. This route is perfect if you want to avoid the cold weather in the northern states.

However, taking the southern route might not be the most cost-effective option. Gas prices vary by state, and some states have higher gas taxes than others. According to GasBuddy, the current average gas price in California is $4.13 per gallon, while in Texas, it is $2.69 per gallon. If you factor in the gas prices and the distance, taking the southern route can cost you around $300 to $400 in gas expenses alone.

Central Route

The central route, also known as the I-40 route, is the most popular route from California to Arkansas. It covers a distance of 2,200 miles and passes through cities such as Flagstaff, Albuquerque, Oklahoma City, and Little Rock. This route is popular because it goes through iconic landmarks such as the Grand Canyon and Route 66.

Gas prices on the central route are more consistent than the southern route. On average, gas prices range from $2.40 to $3.00 per gallon, depending on the state. Taking this route can cost you around $350 to $450 in gas expenses.

Northern Route

The northern route, also known as the I-80 route, is the longest route you can take from California to Arkansas, covering a distance of 2,500 miles. This route passes through major cities such as Sacramento, Reno, Salt Lake City, Cheyenne, and Omaha. The northern route is the most scenic route, with picturesque views of mountains and valleys.

Gas prices on the northern route are usually the cheapest, with an average of $2.60 per gallon. Even though this route is the longest, it can be the most cost-effective, with gas expenses of around $400 to $500.

Recommended Route

Taking into consideration the cost and distance, the central route is the most recommended route from California to Arkansas. It is the most popular route for a reason - it offers a good balance of distance and gas expenses. Moreover, it is the best route if you want to experience iconic landmarks such as the Grand Canyon and Route 66.

The central route's Gas prices also provide a better cushion compared to the southern route. The average gas price will cost around $350 to $450. This route is best for travelers who want to enjoy their journey and explore the country while saving on transportation costs.

Conclusion

Taking a cross-country trip from California to Arkansas can be an exciting adventure. Although there are different routes you can take, the central route offers the best balance of distance and cost. By planning your trip ahead and taking advantage of gas price differences, you can save a significant amount of money on gas expenses.

The central route is a scenic way to travel, where you can experience iconic landmarks, magnificent landscapes, and different cultures. Depending on how long you stay at each stop, the central route can take anywhere from 4 to 7 days. Regardless of the time taken, the memories created will last a lifetime, making it worth the trip.