The Cost of Driving from Burlington, NC to Los Angeles, CA based on Gas Prices

Are you planning a road trip from Burlington, North Carolina to Los Angeles, California? Whether you want to explore different states or visit family and friends, driving to the West Coast is an exciting adventure. However, before you hit the road, it’s important to know how much the trip will cost based on gas prices and tolls. Here are a few different routes you can take and their corresponding distance, time, and costs.

Route 1: The I-40

The first route you can consider is taking the I-40 West all the way to Los Angeles. This will take you through states like Tennessee, Arkansas, Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona before reaching California. The total distance from Burlington to Los Angeles is about 2,500 miles, and the trip takes roughly 38 hours of driving time.

According to GasBuddy, the average gas price along this route is around $3.00 per gallon, which means you’ll need to budget about $375 for gas. This cost assumes your car gets around 25 miles per gallon on the highway and you’ll be filling up about every 4 hours of driving time. Additionally, you’ll encounter tolls in some of the states along the I-40, so make sure to have some cash on hand or check for electronic tolling options.

Route 2: The Southern Route

If you want to mix things up and experience different states, you can also take the southern route to Los Angeles. This route takes you through Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, and then New Mexico and Arizona. The total distance is about 2,700 miles, and the driving time is approximately 41 hours.

Along this route, you can expect to pay around $380 for gas based on an average gas price of $3.10 per gallon. This cost is based on the same assumptions as Route 1. You’ll also encounter tolls in some areas, so make sure to research the cost of tolls in advance.

Route 3: The Northern Route

Finally, you can also consider taking the northern route to Los Angeles, which will take you through states like Kentucky, Missouri, Kansas, Colorado, Utah, and Nevada before reaching California. The total distance is around 2,800 miles, and the driving time is approximately 41 hours.

On this route, you can expect to pay around $395 for gas based on an average gas price of $3.15 per gallon. Again, this cost is based on the same assumptions as the previous routes. You may also encounter tolls along this route in some areas.

Conclusion

No matter which route you choose, driving from Burlington, North Carolina to Los Angeles, California is an exciting adventure that will take you through multiple states and give you the opportunity to explore different parts of the country. However, it’s important to budget for gas and tolls to ensure you have a smooth and stress-free trip. Make sure to research your route beforehand and consider any additional costs like food, lodging, and attraction fees. Safe travels!