Road Trip from Big Sky to Torrance: Calculating The Cost Based on Current Gas Prices
Are you planning your next road trip from Big Sky, Montana to Torrance, California? You're probably wondering how much it will cost you to drive all the way, factoring in gas and tolls. We've done the math for you and will break down the cost of driving based on the different routes you can take.
Route 1: Via I-90 W and I-5 S
The first route you can take is to drive south on US-191 towards I-90 W. Continue on I-90 W for about 782 miles until you reach I-5 S in California. Then, follow I-5 S for about 30 miles until you reach Torrance.
- Distance: 812 miles
- Time: 12 hours and 46 minutes
- Gas cost: Approximately $124 based on the current national average gas price of $3.19 per gallon and an average fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon.
- Toll cost: None
Route 2: Via I-15 S and I-10 W
Another option is to take I-15 S for about 559 miles until you reach I-10 W in Ontario, California. Then, drive east on I-10 W for about 40 miles until you reach Torrance.
- Distance: 600 miles
- Time: 9 hours and 34 minutes
- Gas cost: Approximately $92 based on the current national average gas price of $3.19 per gallon and an average fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon.
- Toll cost: $25.50 for the 15 tolls on I-15 S and $5.50 for the 1 toll on I-10 W, totaling $31.
Route 3: Via MT-191 S and US-93 S
This route is a bit more scenic, as you'll be driving through some beautiful parts of Montana and Idaho. Take MT-191 S for about 64 miles until you reach US-191 S in Idaho. Continue on US-191 S for about 259 miles until you reach I-15 S in Utah. Follow I-15 S for about 303 miles until you reach I-10 W in Ontario, California. Finally, drive east on I-10 W for about 40 miles until you reach Torrance.
- Distance: 666 miles
- Time: 10 hours and 57 minutes
- Gas cost: Approximately $102 based on the current national average gas price of $3.19 per gallon and an average fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon.
- Toll cost: $20.50 for the 10 tolls on I-15 S and $5.50 for the 1 toll on I-10 W, totaling $26.
Conclusion
Driving from Big Sky to Torrance can cost anywhere between $92 and $157, depending on the route you take and the current gas prices. While Route 1 may be the shortest in terms of miles, it takes the longest amount of time due to its lengthy drive time. Route 2, on the other hand, involves a few tolls but is the second shortest in terms of miles and time. Lastly, Route 3 offers some incredible views but is the longest in terms of miles and time.
Whichever route you choose, make sure to fill up on gas, pack some snacks, and enjoy the journey!