Driving Cost from Boise, Idaho to Bellingham, Washington

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The Cost of a Road Trip from Boise, Idaho to Bellingham, Washington

Are you planning a road trip from Boise, Idaho to Bellingham, Washington? Driving from Boise to Bellingham can be a great adventure, especially if you know the best route to take. However, one important thing to keep in mind when planning this trip is your budget. The cost of a road trip can vary depending on several factors such as gas prices, distance, vehicle type, accommodation, food, and many more. In this article, we will discuss the different possible routes, the cost and distance of each one, and some tips to help you save money on your trip.

Route Options

When traveling from Boise to Bellingham, you have several route options to choose from. Each route has its pros and cons, so it's important to consider the time, cost, and distance of each one before making your decision.

Route 1: The fastest route

Taking I-84 W and I-82 N is the fastest route from Boise, Idaho to Bellingham, Washington. It's approximately 641 miles and takes about 10 hours and 30 minutes non-stop. Although this route has the shortest driving time, it can be more expensive because of tolls, higher gas prices, and heavy traffic.

Route 2: The scenic route

If you're looking for a more scenic route, consider taking US-95 N and US-2 W. This route is approximately 835 miles long and takes about 14 hours and 30 minutes non-stop. Although it takes longer than the fastest route, it offers stunning views of the countryside, national parks, and lakes. However, it can be more expensive due to higher gas prices, food, and accommodation expenses.

Route 3: The middle ground

Taking US-95 N and I-90 W is the middle ground between the fastest and scenic route. This route is approximately 750 miles long and takes about 12 hours and 30 minutes non-stop. It offers a balance between driving time and scenery, and there are plenty of opportunities to explore small towns and attractions along the way. It's also less expensive than the scenic route and has lower gas prices.

Cost and Distance

Now let's break down the cost and distance of each route to help you budget your trip accordingly.

Route 1: The fastest route

Assuming gas prices of $3.00 per gallon and a vehicle that gets an average of 25 miles per gallon, here's a breakdown of the estimated cost for this route:

  • Gas: $128.40
  • Tolls: $13.60
  • Total cost: $142.00

Route 2: The scenic route

Assuming gas prices of $3.50 per gallon and a vehicle that gets an average of 20 miles per gallon, here's a breakdown of the estimated cost for this route:

  • Gas: $183.50
  • Accommodations: $150 (based on one-night stay at a mid-range hotel)
  • Food: $100 (based on three moderate meals per day for two people)
  • Total cost: $433.50

Route 3: The middle ground

Assuming gas prices of $3.25 per gallon and a vehicle that gets an average of 23 miles per gallon, here's a breakdown of the estimated cost for this route:

  • Gas: $147.28
  • Accommodations: $100 (based on one-night stay at a budget hotel)
  • Food: $75 (based on three moderate meals per day for two people)
  • Total cost: $322.28

Tips to Save Money

Road trips can be expensive, but there are several ways to save money during your trip. Here are some tips:

  • Plan your route carefully and choose the most cost-effective option
  • Book accommodations in advance to get better deals
  • Bring a cooler and pack your own food and drinks
  • Use gas station apps to find the cheapest gas prices along your route
  • Consider carpooling with friends or family to share expenses

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are several route options to choose from when traveling from Boise, Idaho to Bellingham, Washington. The fastest route is the most expensive, the scenic route is the most beautiful but also the most expensive, and the middle ground is the most cost-effective. It's important to consider the cost, distance, and time of each route before making your decision. If you want to save money during your trip, plan your route carefully, book accommodations in advance, bring your own food and drinks, use gas station apps to find cheap gas prices, and consider carpooling. With these tips, you can enjoy a wonderful trip without breaking the bank.