The Cost of a Trip from Buffalo, New York to Santa Clara, California

If you're planning a road trip from Buffalo, New York to Santa Clara, California, the costs can vary significantly depending on your route, mode of transportation, and other variables. In this article, we'll explore the different routes you can take to reach your destination, and highlight the cost and distance of each. We'll also offer recommendations on the best route for those looking to save money on travel expenses.

Route 1: Across the Country

The first and most direct route to Santa Clara is across the country. From Buffalo, you'll take Interstate 90 West and join up with Interstate 80 in Indiana, which you'll take all the way across the country. This route is approximately 2,800 miles long and will take about 41 hours of driving time.

If you're driving alone, your fuel costs for the trip will vary based on the current gas prices which are specific to each state. As of August 2021, the average gas price on the route is $3.14 per gallon, and you can expect to use about 120 gallons or so of fuel for the trip depending on your vehicle's fuel efficiency. This means that the total cost of gas for your trip will be around $380.

On top of fuel expenses, you should also consider the cost of meals, accommodation, and activities along the way, which can quickly add up. Some options to save money on accommodation and meals include camping, staying with friends, or bringing your own food and snacks.

Overall, the trip across the country can cost you between $1,000 and $1,500, depending on your spending habits, and your mode of transportation.

Route 2: Through the South

Another option for getting from Buffalo to Santa Clara is to take a more southern route. From Buffalo, you can take Interstate 79 South to West Virginia, where you'll join up with Interstate 64 West. This will lead you to Interstate 40 West and finally to Interstate 5, which will take you to your final destination.

This southern route is approximately 2,800 miles long and will take about 45 hours of driving time. Your fuel costs for this route will also depend on the state and region you're driving through, but on average, you can expect to spend about $360 on gas for the trip.

Keep in mind that taking the southern route might also save you some money on other expenses such as accommodation, meals, and activities, as it goes through more rural areas that may have affordable options.

Overall, this route might be the best option for those looking to save money on gas and other expenses, with a total cost of around $1,000 to $1,300 depending on your spending habits.

Route 3: Through the North

The third option is to take a northern route, which will take you through some of the most stunning and scenic parts of the country. From Buffalo, you will take Interstate 90 West to Chicago, where you can either continue west on Interstate 80/90 or switch to Interstate 94 West.

This route goes through South Dakota, Wyoming, Idaho, and Oregon before reaching California, making it the longest of the three routes at approximately 3,500 miles. It will take about 55 hours of driving time to complete and will require multiple overnight stays and meal expenses.

On average, the fuel costs for this route are likely to be slightly higher than the other two routes, but it's not significant as the value of the sites may overweigh the fuel value. You can expect to spend about $400 on gas for the entire trip.

Overall, this option for getting to Santa Clara is a scenic road trip experience. Due to the higher mileage and travel time, however, it could be more costly, with a total cost of between $1,500 and $2,000 depending on your spending habits.

Our Recommendation

Based on the factors above, we recommend taking Route 2 through the South to Santa Clara. This route is the shortest and the most affordable of the three. It also goes through some scenic and rural areas that offer opportunities to save on other travel expenses such as accommodation and meals.

During your trip, you can take the time to visit some of the beautiful national parks and other landmarks along the way, including the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and the Grand Canyon.

Conclusion

Traveling from Buffalo, New York to Santa Clara, California offers an opportunity to explore some of the country's most scenic landscapes and attractions. The cost of the trip mainly depends on the mode of transportation, fuel price, accommodation, meals expenses, and other factors. By taking the southern route via I-79, I-64, I-40, and I-5, you can save money on gas and other expenses while enjoying the beautiful sights along the way. With careful planning and budgeting, a road trip across the country can be an unforgettable adventure that won't break the bank.