The Cost of Driving From Cincinnati, Ohio to Los Angeles, California
Are you planning a road trip from Cincinnati, Ohio to the sunny shores of Los Angeles, California? If so, you're in for a thrilling adventure! But before you hit the open road, it's important to plan your journey and consider the cost of driving. In this blog post, we'll explore different routes, their distances, estimated driving times, and of course, the costs involved, including gas prices and toll fees.
The Southern Route through I-40
If you're looking for a scenic southern drive with plenty of natural beauty, the southern route is for you. This route takes you through states like Tennessee, Arkansas, and Oklahoma before reaching the breathtaking landscapes of New Mexico, Arizona, and finally, California.
Distance: approximately 2,172 miles
Estimated driving time: around 32 hours
Before embarking on this journey, let's Breakdown the cost involved. The average gas price as of the time of writing this post is $2.98 per gallon. Considering an average vehicle fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, the total cost of gas for this route would be:
Total gallons needed: 2,172 miles / 25 miles per gallon = 87 gallons
Total cost of gas: 87 gallons x $2.98 per gallon = $259.26
Keep in mind that this estimate is based on current gas prices and might fluctuate over time. Additionally, you may encounter toll booths along the way. These toll fees can vary, but you can expect to spend an additional $50 to $100.
The Northern Route through I-80
For those who prefer a more direct route with fewer detours, the northern route might be the best choice. This route takes you through the states of Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, and Nebraska before reaching the mountainous regions of Wyoming, Utah, Nevada, and finally, California.
Distance: approximately 2,371 miles
Estimated driving time: around 34 hours
Let's calculate the estimated cost for this route. Assuming the same gas prices and vehicle fuel efficiency mentioned earlier, we can determine the cost of gas:
Total gallons needed: 2,371 miles / 25 miles per gallon = 94.84 gallons
Total cost of gas: 94.84 gallons x $2.98 per gallon = $282.91
Just like the southern route, toll fees may be encountered along the way, costing you an additional $50 to $100.
The Midwestern Route through I-70 and I-44
If you're looking for a balance between natural beauty and a quicker drive, the Midwestern route is a great option. This route takes you through the states of Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Colorado, Utah, Nevada, and finally, California.
Distance: approximately 2,141 miles
Estimated driving time: around 31 hours
Let's calculate the cost for this route. Assuming the same gas prices and vehicle fuel efficiency mentioned previously:
Total gallons needed: 2,141 miles / 25 miles per gallon = 85.64 gallons
Total cost of gas: 85.64 gallons x $2.98 per gallon = $255.32
As with the other routes, toll fees might be encountered, amounting to approximately $50 to $100.
Conclusion
Whichever route you choose, embarking on a road trip from Cincinnati, Ohio to Los Angeles, California is an exciting journey full of adventure and new experiences. It's important to consider the cost of driving, including gas prices and toll fees, to ensure your journey remains budget-friendly.
Safe travels and enjoy soaking up the sun on the California coast!