The Cost of Driving from Bend, Oregon to Reno, Nevada
Looking for a road trip that will take you from Bend, Oregon to Reno, Nevada? This is a journey that promises some of the most beautiful scenery that Oregon and Nevada have to offer. But before you start packing, it's important to consider the cost of the trip. Here, I'll be laying out three possible routes and the costs associated with them, to help you decide which road to take.
The Eastern Route
If you take the eastern route, you'll drive down Highway 97 through Klamath Falls, then connect with Highway 139 at Susanville and head east to Reno. This route is a bit longer than the others at 577 miles, but it's also the most scenic, with lots of sights to see along the way. The trip will take approximately 9 hours, depending on your speed.
- Distance: 577 miles
- Cost: estimated $77.27, based on gas prices of $2.69 per gallon (as of August 2021), and not including any tolls
- Time: approximately 9 hours
The Western Route
An alternate route is to take Highway 97 south through Klamath Falls, then take Highway 139 south towards Susanville. Then, you'll continue west on Highway 44 to Reno. This route offers more options for dining and lodging along the way in comparison to the eastern route. It's slightly shorter at 571 miles and includes views of the Lassen Volcanic National Park.
- Distance: 571 miles
- Cost: estimated $76.20, based on gas prices of $2.69 per gallon (as of August 2021), and not including any tolls
- Time: approximately 9 hours
The Central Route
Another option for this trip is to take Highway 97 south from Bend, then connect to Highway 50 near Lake Tahoe. This route offers the shortest driving distance at 450 miles and passes through mainly rural areas. However, the stretch between Reno and Lake Tahoe is stunning, with several beautiful points of interest to stop and take in the stunning vistas.
- Distance: 450 miles
- Cost: estimated $60.39, based on gas prices of $2.69 per gallon (as of August 2021), and not including any tolls
- Time: approximately 7.5 hours
Conclusion
The cost of driving from Bend, Oregon to Reno, Nevada varies depending on your route, gas prices, and the cost of tolls. Consider the distance, cost, and time of each route to make your decision. The eastern route provides the most stunning scenery but is the longest route, while the central route is the shortest, but routing through more rural areas. The western route offers more food and lodging options. Ultimately, the choice is yours. Safe travels!