Driving Cost from Batavia, Illinois to San Francisco, California

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The Cost of a Cross-Country Trip: From Batavia, Illinois to San Francisco, California

Are you planning a road trip from the Midwest to the West Coast? It's important to consider the cost of gas, lodging, and food to make sure your journey remains within your budget. In this article, we'll explore the various routes you can take from Batavia, Illinois to San Francisco, California, and break down the cost and distance of each option.

Possible Routes

Route 1: I-80 West

The most popular and straightforward way to get from Batavia to San Francisco is to take I-80 West all the way. This route spans 2,215 miles across the entire country, and it passes through major cities like Des Moines, Omaha, Salt Lake City, and Sacramento.

Route 2: I-70 West

If you want to take a more southern route, you can opt for I-70 West instead. This route begins in Baltimore, Maryland and continues through Columbus, Indianapolis, St. Louis, and Denver before connecting to I-15 South towards Las Vegas and I-80 West to San Francisco. I-70 West is 2,261 miles long.

Route 3: I-90 West

For those who want to see the northern states, I-90 West is a great option. This route starts in Boston, Massachusetts and passes through Cleveland, Chicago, Minneapolis, and Rapid City before joining I-80 West in Wyoming. The total distance for I-90 West is 2,621 miles.

Route 4: Historic Route 66

If you want to take a scenic route and see some of America's iconic landmarks, you can take Historic Route 66. This route begins in Chicago and passes through cities like St. Louis, Oklahoma City, Albuquerque, and Flagstaff before reaching San Francisco. The total distance for Historic Route 66 is approximately 2,450 miles.

Cost Breakdown

To calculate the cost of gas for each route, we will assume that the average gas mileage for a car is 25 miles per gallon, and the current national average gas price is $3.00 per gallon. Keep in mind that this is just an estimate and may vary based on the make and model of your vehicle, as well as current gas prices.

Route 1: I-80 West

With a total distance of 2,215 miles, you would need approximately 88.6 gallons of gas for this route. At $3.00 per gallon, the total cost of gas would be around $265.80.

Route 2: I-70 West

This route is slightly longer than Route 1 at 2,261 miles. You would need about 90.44 gallons of fuel which would cost around $271.32.

Route 3: I-90 West

I-90 West is the longest route on our list at 2,621 miles. For this route, you would need approximately 104.84 gallons of gas which would cost around $314.52.

Route 4: Historic Route 66

This route is approximately 2,450 miles. With its winding roads, it will take up more gas and you will need around 98.9 gallons, which would cost around $296.70.

Other Expenses to Consider

In addition to gas, there are other expenses you should keep in mind. These include:

  • Lodging: Depending on the length of your trip, you may need to stay in a hotel or motel. Prices vary widely depending on location, quality, and time of year. Expect to spend at least $100 per night for a decent hotel room.
  • Food: During your trip, you will need to eat. You can save money by packing snacks and meals ahead of time or by eating at more affordable restaurants along the way. Plan to spend at least $30 per day on food per person.
  • Attractions: Depending on your interests, you may want to visit tourist attractions along the way. Consider the cost of admission fees and souvenirs.

Based on our cost breakdown, the most affordable route is I-80 West, which is also the most direct and popular option. While the other routes offer their own unique experiences, they are longer and will cost significantly more in gas money. However, if you have the time and desire to explore a particular region, the other routes might be worth considering.

Conclusion

Cross-country road trips can be expensive, but with careful planning, you can make sure your journey remains within your budget. I-80 West is the most affordable and direct route to get from Batavia, Illinois to San Francisco, California. With a total distance of 2,215 miles and a gas cost of approximately $265.80, it's a great option for those who want a simple and straightforward trip. Always remember to take other expenses into account and plan ahead to have the best experience possible. Enjoy the journey!