The Cost of Driving From California to Idaho Based on Current Gas Prices

Are you planning a road trip from California to Idaho? If so, you may be wondering about the cost of driving there. The good news is that it's possible to make the trip without breaking the bank. In this post, we'll break down the costs of various routes you can take and give you an idea of what to expect.

Route 1: I-5 N and I-84 E - The Most Direct and Fastest Route

The most direct and fastest route is to take Interstate 5 North to Interstate 84 East. This route is approximately 815 miles long and will take you around 12 hours to complete. You'll need to budget for a few tolls along the way, including the Antlers Bridge Toll over Lake Shasta ($5) and the Bridge of the Gods Toll over the Columbia River ($2).

As for gas prices, you'll be happy to hear that they're slightly cheaper in Oregon than in California. Currently, the average gas price in California is $4.09 per gallon, while in Oregon, it's $3.72 per gallon. If you're driving a car that gets around 25 miles per gallon and gas is $3.72 per gallon, you can expect to spend around $125 on gas for this journey.

Route 2: Through Reno, Nevada - A Scenic Route

If you don't mind taking a more scenic route and you like a bit of gambling, you can head east to Reno, Nevada, before turning north towards Idaho. This route is approximately 950 miles long and will take you around 14 hours to complete. Along the way, you'll pass through Lake Tahoe, which is a beautiful scenic route you don't want to miss.

This route doesn't have any toll roads, but you'll need to budget more for gas. Currently, the average gas price in Nevada is $3.88 per gallon. If you're driving a car that gets around 25 miles per gallon and gas is $3.88 per gallon, you can expect to spend around $155 on gas for this journey.

Route 3: Taking Old Route 66 - A History Buff's Route

For those who love the iconic American road trip, taking old Route 66 could be the perfect journey. This route is approximately 1,200 miles long and will take around 18 hours to complete. You'll pass through some of the most famous Route 66 towns, such as Barstow, Needles, and Kingman.

This route doesn't have any toll roads, and gas prices are relatively consistent throughout. Currently, the average gas price in California, Arizona, and Nevada is around $3.88 per gallon. If you're driving a car that gets around 25 miles per gallon and gas is $3.88 per gallon, you can expect to spend around $230 on gas for this journey.

Final Thoughts

As you can see, the cost of driving from California to Idaho can vary depending on the route you take. The most direct and fastest route is likely to be the most affordable, but taking a more scenic or historic route can make for a more interesting and memorable journey. Keep in mind the gas prices for each state, the distance, toll roads, and the time each route takes. Make sure you plan ahead to ensure your journey is as smooth and stress-free as possible.