Driving Cost from Brookings, Oregon to Sacramento, California

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The Cost of a Trip between Brookings, Oregon and Sacramento, California: How to Save Money on Fuel

Traveling from Brookings, Oregon to Sacramento, California can be an exciting journey, but it may also be costly. Various factors can make the trip more expensive than you first anticipated. These include the distance to be covered, gas prices, and the route taken. In this article, we'll look at the cost of a trip between Brookings and Sacramento concerning current gas prices. We'll also explore some of the different possible routes and highlight the costs and distances. Additionally, we'll recommend the best route based on affordability, convenience, and travel time.

Current Gas Prices and Cost Estimate

To estimate the cost of a journey from Brookings, Oregon to Sacramento, California, it is vital to start with current gasoline prices. According to AAA, the current average price for a gallon of gas in the United States is $2.89. However, specific gas prices in Oregon and California can differ depending on variables like state taxes, supply, and demand. Currently, the average gas price in Oregon is $3.38 per gallon, while in California, it's $4.22 per gallon.

Suppose your car has a fuel efficiency of 24 miles per gallon. Let's assume the average distance from Brookings to Sacramento is 400 miles. To calculate the estimated cost of your trip, divide 400 by 24 to get the number of gallons required to cover that distance. The result is about 17 gallons. If we estimate the gas price per gallon at $3.50, then the total cost of gas is approximately $59.50.

Of course, this is only an estimate. It doesn't take into account the different factors that can affect mileage, such as traffic, weather, and road conditions. Additionally, unexpected stops and detours can lead to fluctuations in the total mileage and, consequently, the total cost of gas.

Possible Routes

There are several different routes that connect Brookings to Sacramento. Here are three of them, along with their corresponding costs and distances.

Route 1: Brookings to Sacramento - I-5 S

One of the most common routes taken by travelers driving to Sacramento from Brookings is taking Interstate 5 South. The distance from Brookings, Oregon to Sacramento, California, using this route, is about 420 miles. The journey requires about 7 hours of driving time.

If you're starting your trip in Brookings, you'll have to get on Highway 101 South and follow it for about 10 miles until you reach Crescent City, California. From Crescent City, follow US-101 S for about 30 miles until you reach Arcata. Then, take the Highway 299 E exit toward Redding. Continue on this route for about 125 miles until you reach Redding, where you'll join Interstate 5 South toward Sacramento.

Assuming your car has a fuel efficiency of 24 miles per gallon, traveling using this route will require approximately 17.5 gallons of gas. With the average gas price of $3.50 per gallon, the total estimated cost of gas for this journey is approximately $61.

Route 2: Brookings to Sacramento - US-199 E and US-97 S

An alternative route from Brookings to Sacramento is taking US-199 E and US-97 S. The distance of this route is approximately 464 miles, and it takes about 9 hours of driving time.

If starting in Brookings, get on Highway 101 South and follow it for about 10 miles until you reach Crescent City, California. Then, turn right onto US-199 E towards Grants Pass and continue for approximately 80 miles, entering the state of Oregon en route. Once you arrive in Grants Pass, turn left onto I-5 South and continue on it for about 45 miles before exiting onto Exit 14. Turn right onto OR-99 S/US-97 S and continue towards Sacramento.

Assuming your car has a fuel efficiency of 24 miles per gallon, this route will require approximately 19 gallons of gas. With an average gas price of $3.50 per gallon, the estimated total cost of gas for this journey is approximately $66.50.

Route 3: Brookings to Sacramento - CA-96 E and I-5 S

A third route is taking CA-96 E and I-5 S through the scenic Siskiyou Mountains. This route is about 460 miles and takes approximately nine hours and 30 minutes of driving time.

Begin the journey in Brookings, Oregon, and take the US-101 S highway to Crescent City. Then, turn right onto CA-197 S and follow it for about 40 miles, crossing into the state of California. Once in California, turn right onto CA-96 E and follow it for approximately 85 miles. Finally, merge onto I-5 S and head towards Sacramento.

Using this route, with a car having a fuel efficiency of 24 miles per gallon approximately 19 gallons of gas will be required. The estimated cost of gas with the average gas price of $3.50 per gallon is approximately $66.50.

Of the three routes, I-5 S is the most direct and, thus, the fastest route between Brookings to Sacramento. It also has less elevation gain than the other routes, making it more fuel-efficient.

Going south on I-5, you will bypass the city of Medford, making it perfect for travelers looking to avoid city traffic. Skirting the Sierra Nevada Mountains, the road passes through some of California's most fertile farmlands, with lush valleys flanked by the snow-capped mountains.

The recommended route for this journey is, therefore, the I-5 S. Though it may not be the most scenic, it's more fuel-efficient, featuring fewer curves and ascending stretches, making it faster than the alternative routes.

Conclusion

A trip from Brookings, Oregon to Sacramento, California, is an adventure-filled journey that requires proper planning, a reliable car, and a keen eye on gas prices. Among the three possible routes, I-5 S is the most direct and fuel-efficient, making it the best option for those looking to save money on gas and time. Irrespective of the route taken, ensure to check gas prices along the way, as they can vary depending on location and demand. That said, with proper preparation, you can have a memorable and affordable journey from Brookings, Oregon, to Sacramento, California.