How Much Does It Cost to Drive from California to Maine in 2022?

Are you thinking of planning a road trip from the sunny coast of California all the way to the picturesque coastline of Maine? It sounds like a thrilling adventure, but it sure involves a lot of planning. One of the crucial elements of planning any trip is how much it's going to cost. In this post, we'll break down the cost of driving from California to Maine based on the current gas prices.

Route 1: Pacific to Northeast

First up, the most conventional route goes through the Midwest. The route mainly follows the I-80 and I-70 highway, which runs across the United States. This route usually takes around 2-3 days, averaging around 2780 miles in total distance.

Let's break down the cost of this road trip based on current gas prices. Since the cost of gas varies from state to state, let's assume an average cost of $3.20 per gallon. For this route, your car will consume around 100 gallons of gas, and with an average mileage of 27 miles per gallon, your total expenditure on gas will be around $320. On top of that, this route has several toll gates which you'll have to pay – let's budget around $35 for tolls. Overall, you'll spend roughly $355 on gas and tolls.

Route 2: Northern Route

The northern route is the longest route but also the most scenic. This route follows the I-90 highway, which takes you through the Great Lakes and across the Northern United States. With a total distance of around 3350 miles, this route can take up to 4 to 5 days.

Let's look at the cost of this road trip based on current gas prices. Using our assumed average cost of $3.20 per gallon, your car will consume roughly 124 gallons of gas. With a fuel efficiency of 27 MPG, you should expect to pay around $396 in gas.

Moreover, you'll encounter a handful of tolls along the way, amounting to around $50. That means you'll spend roughly $446 for gas and tolls on this scenic but longer route.

Route 3: Southern Route

If you prefer a more southerly route, this one is for you. This route follows the I-40 highway, which will take you through the southern states of the US. This path is shorter, totaling around 2750 miles, and should take 2 to 3 days.

Let's now break down the cost of the trip based on current gas prices. With the same estimated cost of $3.20 per gallon, you should expect your car to consume around 102 gallons of gas on this route. With an MPG of 27, your total fuel cost will be approximately $327.

Additionally, you'll encounter some toll gates along the way, which will cost around $40 overall. Overall cost of gas and toll on this route should amount to $367.

Final Thoughts

Driving from California to Maine is surely an epic road trip that you won't forget. When it comes to the cost, the details might be overwhelming at times, but it's essential to plan and budget your trip. We've broken down the cost of three different routes based on current gas prices, giving you an estimated idea of how much you'll have to spend. With these details, you can take your pick from the three routes above and start your adventure across the United States. Bon voyage!