Driving Cost from California to Oregon

A picture depicting a gas pump

The Cost of a Trip between California and Oregon: Navigating Gas Prices

Traveling between California and Oregon is a popular destination for many. Whether you're looking to take in the beautiful landscapes or visit family and friends, planning your route can be a daunting task. With fluctuating gas prices, it's important to consider the cost of your journey. In this article, we'll explore the different routes between California and Oregon, highlighting the cost and distance of each option. We'll also recommend the best route with the lowest gas prices for your journey.

Route Options

  1. I-5 North: This is the most direct route and the most commonly traveled route between California and Oregon. This route is popular because it takes you through major cities such as Sacramento, Portland, and Seattle. The distance between the two states is approximately 790 miles, and it should take roughly 13 hours to complete.

  2. US-101 North: This route is not as direct as I-5, but it's very scenic. It follows the coast and takes you through beautiful beaches, forests, and coastal towns. The distance is approximately 770 miles, which is shorter compared to I-5. However, it would take about 15 hours to complete.

  3. CA-299 East and US-97 North: This route is the third option between California and Oregon. It takes you through the Cascade Range and offers scenic views of the landscape. The distance is approximately 840 miles, and it should take about 14 hours to complete.

Gas Prices

Before we dive into the gas prices of each route, it's important to note the national average gas price for 2021. According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), the average cost of a gallon of gas in the US as of September 2021 is $3.19 per gallon. However, this is not the cost of gas in California and Oregon.

The cost of gas varies depending on location, and in California and Oregon, gas prices are higher than the national average. Based on AAA's data, as of September 2021, the average cost of a gallon of gas in California is $4.39 per gallon, and in Oregon, it's $3.91 per gallon. These prices are likely to fluctuate over time, but it's essential to keep in mind when planning your route.

The Cost Breakdown of Each Route

  1. I-5 North: This route is the most direct and is popular for a reason. It's the most efficient way of getting from California to Oregon, and there are plenty of rest stops and services available along the way. The total distance is approximately 790 miles, and based on AAA's data, it would cost approximately $237 for a car that averages 30 miles per gallon.

  2. US-101 North: This route takes longer to complete, but it offers scenic views of the coast and is perfect for those who want to take their time and enjoy the scenery. The total distance is approximately 770 miles, and based on AAA's data, it would cost approximately $231 for a car that averages 30 miles per gallon.

  3. CA-299 East and US-97 North: This route takes you through the Cascade range, and there's plenty of scenic views along the way. However, it's not as direct as I-5, and it would take longer to complete. The total distance is approximately 840 miles, and based on AAA's data, it would cost approximately $252 for a car that averages 30 miles per gallon.

Based on the cost and distance, it's clear that I-5 North is the most economical route for traveling between California and Oregon. It's the most direct, and it offers plenty of rest stops and services along the way. You wouldn't have to worry about running out of gas or being stranded on the road. It's also worth noting that gas prices in California are higher compared to Oregon, so it's best to fill up in Oregon before heading back to California.

Conclusion

In conclusion, traveling between California and Oregon can be a fun trip, but it's important to consider the cost of the journey, especially with fluctuating gas prices. Depending on the route you take, it would cost approximately $231 to $252 for a car that averages 30 miles per gallon. We recommend taking I-5 North, which is the most direct route and the most economical for your journey. It's important to plan your journey accordingly, fill up on gas before entering California, and enjoy the beautiful landscapes along the way.