Driving Cost from Burbank, California to Newport Beach, California

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The Cost of a Trip Between Burbank and Newport Beach: Navigating the California Roads

The distance between Burbank and Newport Beach is roughly 50 miles. Depending on the route taken, the travel time can vary significantly. However, what most people are usually interested in is the cost of the trip. From the ever-fluctuating gas prices to the tolls on the highways, how much will it cost to drive between Burbank and Newport Beach?

Possible Routes: Quick Overview

Before diving into the cost of a trip between Burbank and Newport Beach, it is important to discuss possible routes. There are different ways to make the trip, including three main options:

  • Route 1: I-5 S and CA-55 S
  • Route 2: CA-134 E and CA-55 S
  • Route 3: CA-57 S and CA-55 S

Each of these routes has its pros and cons in terms of distance, time, and cost.

Route 1: I-5 S and CA-55 S

This route is the most direct way to travel between Burbank and Newport Beach. It involves taking Interstate 5 South and then changing to CA-55 S. The distance is about 49 miles, and it covers some of the busiest highways in California. While it's the most direct way, it's not always the fastest or cheapest.

Route 2: CA-134 E and CA-55 S

This route is a combination of two highways: CA-134 E and CA-55 S. It's a bit longer in distance compared to Route 1, at around 53 miles, but it avoids some of the notoriously jammed highways of Route 1, such as I-5. However, depending on the traffic, it may take longer to drive.

Route 3: CA-57 S and CA-55 S

Finally, the third route involves taking CA-57 S and then changing to CA-55 S. It's slightly longer than Route 2, approximately 56 miles, but it may be worth considering for those who want to avoid the Orange County Toll Roads.

The Cost of a Trip Between Burbank and Newport Beach

Now that we have an idea of the possible routes, let's discuss the cost of a trip between Burbank and Newport Beach.

Gas Prices

The first factor to consider is the cost of gas. As of mid-2021, the average gas price in California is around $4 per gallon. Given the distance of around 50 miles, a car with an average fuel economy rating of 25 miles per gallon will need roughly two gallons of gas to make the trip. Therefore, the minimum cost of gas alone would be approximately $8.

Toll Roads

Depending on the route taken, drivers may have to pay for toll roads on the way to Newport Beach. While toll roads are often more expensive, they do provide a faster and less congested option. Here are the tolls for each route:

  • Route 1: No toll roads
  • Route 2: Depending on the starting point, drivers may have to pay a toll of up to $1.60 to enter the 134 Freeway. Then, on the CA-73 S Toll Road, the cost is around $10.80.
  • Route 3: The only toll road is the 73 S Toll Road, which costs around $10.80.

Miscellaneous Costs

Aside from gas and tolls, there may be other costs to consider, such as parking fees. In Newport Beach, parking near tourist spots, like the beach or pier, may be quite expensive, especially during peak seasons.

Conclusion

When factoring in gas, tolls, and miscellaneous costs, it's safe to say that a one-way trip between Burbank and Newport Beach could cost anywhere from $8 to $21.40, depending on the route taken and miscellaneous costs.

While there are multiple routes, Route 1 is typically the most direct but might be slow due to congested highways in addition to no cost for toll roads. Alternatively, Route 2 can be a good option for those who want to avoid I-5 and the 5 toll road. Finally, Route 3 may be the best option for those who want to entirely avoid toll roads.

As with any road trip, costs may vary depending on traffic and other factors. Make sure to do your research, factor in all possible costs, and remember to drive safely!