Driving Cost from Burbank, California to Phoenix, Arizona

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The Cost of a Trip Between Burbank, California and Phoenix, Arizona: Analyzing the Best Routes Based on Current Gas Prices

Traveling from Burbank, California to Phoenix, Arizona means embarking on a 370-mile journey through diverse terrains and scenic landscapes. Beyond the adventure and sightseeing, however, the question of the cost of the trip is a vital consideration for many travelers. This article examines the various possible routes, analyzing their distances and associated fuel costs based on the current gas prices. Our objective is to establish the most cost-effective and best route for the trip.

The Routes: An Overview

Before delving into the nitty-gritty of the gas prices and distances, let us first explore the different possible routes from Burbank to Phoenix:

Route 1: Interstate 5 and Interstate 10 (San Bernardino Freeway)

This route follows Interstate 5 southbound until it joins the Interstate 10 through San Bernardino and beyond. It is the shortest route, spanning about 360 miles.

Route 2: State Route 14 and U.S. Route 395

This route takes State Route 14 northbound, then U.S. Route 395 southbound before joining the Interstate 15. From this point, it joins the Interstate 10 towards Phoenix. This route covers approximately 420 miles.

Route 3: Interstate 15 and Interstate 40

This route follows Interstate 15 towards Las Vegas, where it branches onto the Interstate 40 eastbound towards Flagstaff, before finally joining the Interstate 17 southbound towards Phoenix. It covers approximately 505 miles.

Analyzing the Gas Prices and Distances

We obtained the prices of regular gasoline from GasBuddy for this analysis, and we used the estimated fuel cost (based on fuel efficiency estimates from the US Environmental Protection Agency) for different types of vehicles.

San Bernardino Freeway (Interstate 5 and Interstate 10)

This route covers approximately 360 miles, with most of it on the San Bernardino Freeway. Based on the current gas prices in the region ($4.16 per gallon as of August 2021), the estimated fuel cost for this route is:

  • For a car with a fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon (MPG): $67.90
  • For a car with a fuel efficiency of 30 MPG: $56.56
  • For a car with a fuel efficiency of 35 MPG: $48.72

State Route 14 and U.S. Route 395

This route spans about 420 miles, with significant portions of the journey outside the rural areas, including the Mojave desert. Based on the current gas prices in the region, the estimated fuel cost for this route is:

  • For a car with a fuel efficiency of 25 MPG: $78.72
  • For a car with a fuel efficiency of 30 MPG: $65.60
  • For a car with a fuel efficiency of 35 MPG: $56.53

Interstate 15 and Interstate 40

This route is the longest of the three, covering approximately 505 miles, with portions in the mountainous regions around Flagstaff. Based on the current gas prices in the region, the estimated fuel cost for the journey is:

  • For a car with a fuel efficiency of 25 MPG: $93.76
  • For a car with a fuel efficiency of 30 MPG: $78.13
  • For a car with a fuel efficiency of 35 MPG: $67.14

Recommendations: Best Route and Type of Vehicle

Based on the analysis of gas prices and distances, it is clear that San Bernardino Freeway (Interstate 5 and Interstate 10) is the most cost-effective route. It is not only shorter but also has the lowest fuel costs among all the routes. On average, a car with a fuel efficiency of 25MPG will cost just under $70 in gasoline to drive from Burbank to Phoenix. However, the choice of the route may depend on other factors beyond just cost.

Regarding the type of vehicle to use, the fuel efficiency plays a significant role in determining the gas costs. If you are looking to save money, it would be best to go for the car that has the highest fuel efficiency and can handle the distance comfortably.

Conclusion

Driving from Burbank, California to Phoenix, Arizona, is an adventure worth the cost. Based on the current gas prices, the San Bernardino Freeway (Interstate 5 and Interstate 10) is the most cost-effective route to take. Besides, travelers should factor in comfort and safety, and they should ensure that their vehicles are in proper working conditions before embarking on the trip.

It is important also to remember that gas prices can fluctuate depending on various factors, including the time of year and supply and demand. Therefore, it is essential to re-evaluate the estimated fuel costs and include additional expenses such as tolls, food, and lodging. Ultimately, the journey is not just about reaching the destination, but also about exploring the beauty of the regions in-between Burbank and Phoenix.