The Cost of a Trip Between Bellingham, Washington and Portland, Oregon
Are you planning a trip from Bellingham, Washington to Portland, Oregon? You may be wondering which route is the most cost-effective and efficient. In this article, we will break down the different route options, calculate the cost of gas, and recommend the best route for your trip.
Route Options
There are three main routes to get from Bellingham, Washington to Portland, Oregon: Interstate 5 (I-5), Highway 101, and Interstate 84 (I-84). Let's take a closer look at each route.
Option 1: I-5
The most direct route from Bellingham to Portland is to take I-5 south. I-5 is the major freeway that runs along the West Coast, and it is the most common and straightforward route.
The distance between Bellingham and Portland via I-5 is approximately 277 miles, and the estimated driving time is around 4-5 hours.
Option 2: Highway 101
Another option is to take Highway 101 to Portland instead of I-5. Highway 101 runs along the coast, and it is a scenic route with beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean.
The distance between Bellingham and Portland via Highway 101 is approximately 426 miles, and the estimated driving time is around 8-9 hours.
Option 3: I-84
If you want to avoid Seattle traffic, you can take I-84 instead of I-5. This route will take you east through the Columbia River Gorge and then south through the Oregon Coast Range.
The distance between Bellingham and Portland via I-84 is approximately 425 miles, and the estimated driving time is around 8-9 hours.
Cost of Gas
Gas prices fluctuate depending on a number of factors, including location, time of year, and global events. However, as of August 2021, the average gas prices for Washington and Oregon are:
- Washington: $3.81 per gallon
- Oregon: $3.61 per gallon
To calculate the cost of gas for your trip, you can use a fuel cost calculator, such as GasBuddy or AAA's Fuel Cost Calculator.
Based on these gas prices, let's estimate the cost of gas for each route option.
Option 1: I-5
Assuming an average car gets 25 miles per gallon, and the total distance is 277 miles, you would need 11.08 gallons of gas to make the trip.
Therefore, the cost of gas for Option 1 would be approximately $42.25 in Washington and $40.02 in Oregon, for a total of $82.27.
Option 2: Highway 101
Assuming an average car gets 25 miles per gallon, and the total distance is 426 miles, you would need 17.04 gallons of gas to make the trip.
Therefore, the cost of gas for Option 2 would be approximately $64.94 in Washington and $61.70 in Oregon, for a total of $126.64.
Option 3: I-84
Assuming an average car gets 25 miles per gallon, and the total distance is 425 miles, you would need 17 gallons of gas to make the trip.
Therefore, the cost of gas for Option 3 would be approximately $64.77 in Washington and $61.53 in Oregon, for a total of $126.30.
Recommended Route
Based on the cost of gas and driving time, we recommend taking Option 1: I-5. It is the most direct and cost-effective route, with the shortest driving time.
However, if you have extra time and want to enjoy some scenic views, you could consider taking Highway 101. Keep in mind that this route will be significantly more expensive, but it could be worth it if you are looking for an adventure.
Conclusion
After calculating the cost of gas for each route option, we recommend taking I-5 from Bellingham, Washington to Portland, Oregon. This route is the most direct and cost-effective, with a total estimated gas cost of $82.27 and an estimated driving time of 4-5 hours.
No matter which route you take, make sure to plan ahead, stay safe on the road, and enjoy the journey!