The Cost of a Road Trip between Burlington, Ontario and Tehachapi, California: Finding the Cheapest Route
Are you planning a road trip from Burlington to Tehachapi? If so, the first thing on your mind might be the cost of gas. You're not alone - many travelers are budget-conscious and want to know the cheapest way to get from point A to point B. In this article, we explore the different routes available for travelers on a budget. We also consider the distance, time, and convenience of each option. So sit back, relax, and read on to find out the most economical route for your trip.
Possible routes
The most direct route from Burlington to Tehachapi takes you through the US-69 S, US-75 S, and I-40 W. This route covers a distance of about 2,562 miles and takes approximately 38 hours to complete. However, this is not the cheapest option. Gas prices along this route can be quite steep. So, unless you have a big budget and you don't mind paying for gas, we recommend exploring other options.
There are several other routes you could take that are more cost-effective. Let's take a closer look at each of these.
Route 1: VIA Rail and Amtrak
If you want to avoid driving altogether, you can take a train from Burlington to Tehachapi. The trip is divided into two parts - Burlington to Chicago and Chicago to Los Angeles. The first leg is on VIA Rail while the second is on Amtrak.
From Burlington, take the VIA Rail train to Toronto. The trip takes about an hour and costs around $86 for a one-way ticket. From there, take the Amtrak train to Bakersfield, California. This train departs daily from Toronto. The trip, which covers a distance of about 2,810 miles, takes approximately 3 days and costs around $320 for a one-way ticket.
From Bakersfield, you can take a taxi or rent a car for the 55-mile drive to Tehachapi. Total cost will depend on your choice of transport and how much you are willing to spend.
While this option may seem expensive compared to driving, it eliminates the cost of gas and also gives you an opportunity to sightsee and enjoy the scenery along the way.
Route 2: I-90 W and I-80 W
Another option is to drive west to California via the I-90 W and I-80 W. This route covers a distance of about 2,848 miles and takes approximately 43 hours to complete. But what makes this option attractive is that gas prices along this route are some of the cheapest in the country.
If you drive a vehicle that gets 25 miles per gallon (mpg) and gas is $2.50 per gallon, you'd need around $285 for gas each way. However, this amount can vary depending on the fuel efficiency of your car and the current price of gas.
The cost of lodging will depend on the frequency and duration of stops, as well as on whether you prefer budget motels or luxury hotels. If you're traveling on a budget, we recommend staying at budget motels such as Motel 6, Super 8, and Red Roof Inn. These motels typically charge between $50 and $100 per night.
Route 3: Trans-Canada Highway (TC-1) and I-90 W
Another viable route is to take the Trans-Canada Highway (TC-1) to the US border. From there, take the I-94 W and I-90 W to California. This route covers a distance of about 3,230 miles and takes approximately 50 hours to complete.
Gas prices along this route are generally higher than those along the I-80 W route. However, you can still save some money by driving a fuel-efficient vehicle and being cautious about your driving speed. If you drive a car that gets 25 mpg and gas is $3 per gallon, you can expect to pay around $393 for gas each way.
The cost of lodging will depend on your style of travel. Budget motels are still available along this route but may be fewer in number. Budget between $50 and $100 per night.
Which route is the cheapest?
Of the routes we've explored, it's clear that driving west to California via the I-80 W is the cheapest option. While the other routes offer their own advantages, they aren't budget-friendly. If you're looking for a wallet-friendly option, the I-80 W is the way to go.
Conclusion
Traveling from Burlington, Ontario to Tehachapi, California doesn't have to be expensive. By choosing the right route, you can save money on gas and lodging. The cheapest option, the I-80 W, offers some of the lowest gas prices in the country. And while it may be a long drive, the money you save can be used for other things such as sightseeing and eating out. So pack your bags, stock up on snacks, and hit the road for your cheapest road trip ever!