Road Tripping: How Much Will It Cost to Drive from Burbank, California to Columbus, Ohio?

Are you planning a cross-country road trip from Burbank, California to Columbus, Ohio? If so, you might be wondering how much you'll need to budget for gas and tolls. Well, the answer to that question depends on the route you take, the time of year you travel, and the current gas prices. Let's break it down.

The Southern Route

If you take the southern route from Burbank to Columbus, you'll be driving approximately 2,260 miles. The estimated travel time is around 33 hours without stops. You'll cross through Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Illinois, and Indiana before reaching Ohio.

As of August 2021, the average gas price in California is $4.38 per gallon. If you factor in an average fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon for a car, you will need approximately 90 gallons of gas to complete the journey. At a total cost of $394.20, it's the most expensive route in terms of gas.

You'll also encounter tolls along the way. For example, the toll fees for the Oklahoma Turnpike System can range from $2 to $6 per toll plaza based on the vehicle type. Be sure to factor in these additional costs when budgeting your road trip.

The Middle Route

The mid-route will take you through Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, and Illinois before you reach Ohio. This path is approximately 2,280 miles and takes about 34 hours to complete without stops.

Gas prices are quite reasonable in Utah and Colorado compared to California. Based on the current gas prices as of August 2021, you'll need approximately 87 gallons, which will cost you around $328.08.

While there are tolls along this route, they are not as numerous and expensive as the southern route. For example, the Kansas Turnpike tolls for cars range from $1.30 to $6.90 depending on the distance traveled.

The Northern Route

The northern route is the longest but offers the most scenic route. You'll pass through Nevada, Utah, Wyoming, Nebraska, Iowa, and Indiana before reaching Ohio. The distance is around 2,450 miles, and the estimated travel time is around 39 hours without stops.

Gas prices in the northern states are less expensive than California but slightly higher than some of the states on the mid-route. Based on the current gas prices as of August 2021, you'd need approximately 98 gallons, which will cost you around $363.60.

Tolls are also present on this route, with Indiana's toll road costing $9.70 for cars traveling the entire highway.

Final Thoughts

The cost of a road trip from Burbank to Columbus can vary greatly depending on the route you take and the current gas prices. The southern route is the most expensive, with the middle route being the most cost-effective. Regardless of which route you choose, have fun, stay safe, and enjoy the journey!