The Cost of a Trip Between Burbank, California and Redlands, California: Navigating the Roads and Gas Prices

Traveling between Burbank and Redlands can be a fun and exciting experience for those who love road travel. However, before starting your journey, it is important to have a clear picture of the different routes available and their costs. In this article, we'll explore the various routes one can take between Burbank and Redlands and offer recommendations on picking the best depending on the current gas prices.

Understanding the Different Routes and Distances

There are several routes you can take between Burbank and Redlands, all with their own unique advantages and costs. The most common include the following:

Route 1: the I-10 Eastbound

This is the shortest and quickest route between Burbank and Redlands. The distance is about 66 miles, and it usually takes anywhere from 1 hour to 1 hour and 30 minutes, depending on traffic. The route involves taking the Golden State Freeway (I-5) and then transitioning to I-10 Eastbound. This route is generally the quickest because it takes you through the San Bernardino Mountains using the most direct path.

If you take this route, you will need to account for toll fees. There are two main toll locations: the 73 Toll Road in Orange County, which costs around $8 to $12, and the Cal Trans Toll Bridge in San Francisco, which costs $6. Once you add the toll fees and gas costs, this route comes in at an average of $15.

Route 2: the SR-210 or "Foothill Freeway"

This option involves traveling on the neighboring suburbs of LA, starting along the Foothill Freeway, also referred to as SR-210. This route diverges from LA city, and hence it takes a slightly longer distance, about 70 miles, but with a backup route. It can offer 2 alternatives, either taking 210 east to Redlands or taking I-10 west towards Paramount, and transitioning to the 210 east.

The route will be ideal if you want to avoid crowded interstates or a traffic jam. However, the downside is that there may be significant stoplights along the way that could reduce your speed. There are no toll fees on this route. Once you add gas costs, this route comes in at an average of $10.

Route 3: the I-15 Southbound

If you want to experience more scenic views on your way to Redlands, this route will be a good choice. The I-15 Southbound takes you through Mountain Ranges, forests, and valleys, offering a break from the urban jungle scenery. However, the distance is the longest, about 85 miles, and due to the nature of the mountain range, the travel time will take longer, usually around 1 hour and 30 minutes.

In terms of cost, this route is the most expensive, incorporating freeway toll costs and gas prices. The typical cost of the toll is around $12 at the 73 Toll Road and then an additional $8 for I- 15 express lanes. Once you add gas costs, the total cost for this route comes to around $25.

Gas Prices and the Best Route

When it comes to choosing the best route based on gas prices, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, the distance, which plays a part in the overall cost of the trip. Fortunately, the gas prices along all three routes are pretty standard across California, but you will still want to ensure you visit gas stations with affordable prices before beginning the trip.

When calculating the cost of gas, the cost per gallon needs to be factored in as well as the fuel efficiency of your vehicle. This will ensure you know how much to budget for gas expenses per mile.

If gas prices are low, it's recommended to take the I-10 Eastbound route. This route is the shortest and quickest, making it the best choice if you want to save money on gas expenses. You won't need to spend time driving around the suburbs, which means you'll use less gas.

On the other hand, when the gas prices are high, the SR-210 or I-15 Southbound will save you money. Though they may be longer than the I-10 Eastbound, they allow you to conserve gas by avoiding crowded interstates like I-5 and I-10. The SR-210 has an advantage of not seeing stoplights, while the I-15 Southbound can offer smooth drives, especially if you are driving from a location like downtown Los Angeles.

Overall, it's best to fill up your gas tank before starting your journey and keeping an eye out for cost-friendly gas stations along the route.

Conclusion

Having a clear picture of the different routes one can take from Burbank to Redlands is vital in making a travel decision that meets your needs. Based on our analysis, the I-10 Eastbound is the route one should take when looking for the shortest and quickest route possible, while the SR-210 is ideal for those who want to avoid traffic and stoplights. However, the I-15 Southbound is most recommended for people who want to experience scenic views along the way. From our analysis, it is evident that a trip from Burbank to Redlands is a perfect road trip option, mainly if one captures the right budget.