Driving Cost from Alameda, California to Seattle, Washington

A picture depicting a gas pump

The Cost of a Trip Between Alameda, CA and Seattle, WA: Navigating Gas Prices

The cost of a road trip can add up quickly. Especially with fluctuating gas prices, it’s challenging to estimate the budget for a long-distance drive. When planning a trip between Alameda, California, and Seattle, Washington, there are a few factors to consider to navigate the current gas prices and opt for the most budget-friendly option. In this article, we will break down the different routes to travel between these two cities, estimate the cost, and recommend the best route based on the current gas prices.

Route 1: Via I-5 N

The first route to consider when driving from Alameda to Seattle is via Interstate 5 North. This route covers approximately 821 miles and takes about 13 hours to complete.

Cost Estimate:

Assuming your car gets an average of 25 miles per gallon on the highway, you will need around 33 gallons of gas for the journey. According to AAA, the average gas price in California is $4.13 per gallon, which would total $136.29 for gas expenses. In Washington state, the average gas price is currently $3.68 per gallon, which would add up to $121.44. The total cost for gas for this route is around $257.73.

Route 2: Via US-101 N

The second route to consider when traveling from Alameda to Seattle is via US-101 North. This route covers approximately 1157 miles and takes around 19 hours to complete.

Cost Estimate:

The gas expense for this route is higher than Route 1 considering the longer distance. Assuming that your car gets an average of 25 miles per gallon on the highway, you will need approximately 46 gallons of gas for the journey. According to the AAA, the average gas price in California is $4.13 per gallon, which would total $189.98 for gas expenses. In Washington state, the average gas price is currently $3.68 per gallon, which would add up to $169.28. The total cost for gas for this route is around $359.26.

Route 3: Via CA-99 N and I-5 N

The third route to consider when traveling from Alameda to Seattle is via CA-99 North and I-5 North. This route spans approximately 1008 miles and takes around 16 hours to complete.

Cost Estimate:

Assuming that your car gets an average of 25 miles per gallon on the highway, you will need around 40 gallons of gas for the Journey. According to the AAA, the average gas price in California is $4.13 per gallon, which would total $165.20 for gas expenses. In Washington state, the average gas price is currently $3.68 per gallon, which would add up to $147.20. The total cost for gas for this route is around $312.40.

After considering the distance and differing fuel prices, I-5 N is the recommended route from Alameda to Seattle. In addition to the lower total fuel cost, this route is the shortest and takes the least amount of time. However, it is essential to note that there may be additional expenses such as food, accommodations, and tolls on any of these routes, which could further add to a travel budget.

Conclusion

Planning and budgeting a trip from Alameda to Seattle is crucial to ensuring a smooth and stress-free travel experience. By considering the various travel routes and examining the current gas prices in California and Washington, drivers can estimate the cost of the trip and choose the most economical route. The recommended route, via I-5 N, spans 821 miles and takes around 13 hours to complete, the shortest and quickest option available. By accounting for fuel expenses, drivers can plan and budget for additional expenses as needed and enjoy a hassle-free trip from Alameda to Seattle.