Driving Cost from Dallas, Texas to Riverside, California

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The Cost of Driving From Dallas to Riverside: Your Comprehensive Guide Based on Current Gas Prices

Planning a road trip from Dallas, Texas, to Riverside, California, can be an exciting journey, especially with the stunning scenery and changing landscapes along the way. However, understanding the costs involved will help you budget better and make informed choices. So, let’s break it down into a few different routes you might consider, while keeping current gas prices in mind.

Route 1: The Classic I-20 West to I-10 West

This route takes you on the well-known I-20 West and then merges onto I-10 West, making it a straightforward drive across several states.

  • Distance: Approx. 1,270 miles
  • Estimated Time: About 19 hours
  • Gas Prices: Assuming a current average price of $3.60 per gallon and a fuel-efficient vehicle that gets 25 miles per gallon, you would need roughly 51 gallons of gas. This brings your total gas cost to around $183.60.
  • Toll Costs: There are minimal tolls on this route, but keep a few extra bucks handy for potential small toll sections.

Summary of Route 1 Costs:

  • Distance: 1,270 miles
  • Time: 19 hours
  • Cost (gas): $183.60

Route 2: The Scenic US-287 North to I-40 West

For those who prefer a scenic route, taking US-287 North to I-40 West is a fantastic option. You'll drive through Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, and into Arizona before reaching California.

  • Distance: Approx. 1,350 miles
  • Estimated Time: About 21 hours
  • Gas Prices: Using the same average gas price of $3.60 per gallon and a vehicle fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, you will need approximately 54 gallons of gas, totaling about $194.40.
  • Toll Costs: There are minor tolls on this route too, but they typically amount to less than $20.

Summary of Route 2 Costs:

  • Distance: 1,350 miles
  • Time: 21 hours
  • Cost (gas): $194.40 + tolls

Route 3: Direct I-30 West to I-10 West

If you're in a hurry, the more direct route via I-30 West to I-10 West is your best bet. This route typically offers quicker travel times.

  • Distance: Approx. 1,240 miles
  • Estimated Time: Approximately 18 hours
  • Gas Prices: Again, we’ll use the average of $3.60 per gallon with the same fuel efficiency yielding about 50 gallons of gas, which costs about $180.00.
  • Toll Costs: Just like the previous routes, there are minimal tolls so budget around $10 for this trip.

Summary of Route 3 Costs:

  • Distance: 1,240 miles
  • Time: 18 hours
  • Cost (gas): $180.00 + tolls

Final Thoughts

Regardless of the route you choose, each offers its unique charm, so pick one that suits your interests and schedule. The costs associated with your journey can help you plan and prepare for a trip filled with good company, music, and memories. Happy travels, and drive safely! Remember to check that gas gauge and enjoy the open road!