Driving Cost from California to Oklahoma

A picture depicting a gas pump

The Cost of a Cross Country Road Trip: California to Oklahoma

Are you ready to hit the road and take an adventure from California to Oklahoma? As you plan your trip, it’s important to consider the different routes, gas prices, and overall cost of your journey. This article will break down everything you need to know in order to financially plan for a road trip from California to Oklahoma.

Route Options

There are different routes you can take when driving from California to Oklahoma, each with its own pros and cons. Here are the three most popular options:

Route 1: I-40 Eastbound

Starting in Barstow, California, head east on I-40 all the way through Arizona, New Mexico, and finally into Oklahoma. This route is 1,149 miles long and will take approximately 19 hours of driving time without stopping.

Route 2: I-15 Northbound and I-70 Eastbound

From Los Angeles, travel north on I-15 until you hit I-70. Take I-70 all the way through Colorado into Kansas and then into Oklahoma. This route is 1,340 miles long and will take approximately 22 hours of driving time without stopping.

Route 3: I-10 Eastbound and I-35 Northbound

From Los Angeles, head east on I-10 until you hit I-35. Take I-35 all the way through Texas into Oklahoma. This route is 1,316 miles long and will take approximately 20 hours of driving time without stopping.

Of these three options, route 1 is the shortest and arguably the most direct. However, depending on where in California you start and your ultimate destination in Oklahoma, one of the other routes may be more convenient for you.

Gas Prices

Gas prices fluctuate frequently, so it’s important to do some research before determining your budget. As of July 2021, the average price of gas in California is $4.30 per gallon, while in Oklahoma it’s $2.87 per gallon. You can use this information to estimate your gas costs based on your vehicle’s fuel efficiency.

For example, if you have a car that gets 25 miles per gallon and plan on taking route 1 (1,149 miles total), you would need approximately 46 gallons of gas to complete the trip. At $4.30 per gallon, your total gas cost for the trip would be $197.80.

Toll Roads and Other Expenses

In addition to gas costs, you’ll need to consider any toll roads you may encounter along the way. Depending on the route you take, there may be several toll roads that you’ll need to pay for. For example, taking route 3 through Texas will require you to pay several tolls.

You should also factor in other expenses such as food and lodging. If you plan on staying in hotels or Airbnb’s along the way, the cost will vary depending on the city and level of luxury. Alternatively, you could camp or sleep in your vehicle to save money.

Based on the distance and gas prices alone, route 1 (I-40 Eastbound) is the most cost-effective option. It’s also the most direct route, so you’ll spend the least amount of time on the road. However, depending on your personal preferences and destination within Oklahoma, another route may be more suitable for you.

Conclusion

Taking a road trip from California to Oklahoma can be a fun and exciting adventure. By considering the different routes, gas prices, and other expenses, you can plan a trip that fits within your budget and meets your needs. For the most cost-effective and direct route, we recommend taking I-40 Eastbound. Safe travels!