The Cost of a Road Trip: California to Pennsylvania to Morgantown, West Virginia

If you are in California and planning a road trip to Pennsylvania and Morgantown, West Virginia, the cost of the trip can vary greatly depending on the route you take, the mode of transportation you choose, and the current gas prices. In this article, we will break down the different possible routes and highlight the cost and distance of each one, so you can make an informed decision when planning your trip.

Route 1: I-80 E and I-76 E

One possible route to take is to drive on I-80 E and then switch to I-76 E to get to Pennsylvania and Morgantown, West Virginia. This is a total of 2,895 miles, and the estimated time of travel is approximately 43 hours, depending on traffic conditions.

If you are driving a car that gets 25 mpg on the highway and gas prices are at $2.50 per gallon, then the estimated cost of gas for this drive would be approximately $345.60.

Route 2: I-70 E and I-68 E

Another route you could take is to drive on I-70 E and then switch to I-68 E to get to Pennsylvania and Morgantown, West Virginia. This route is slightly shorter, with a total of 2,350 miles and an estimated travel time of approximately 36 hours.

If you are driving a car that gets 25 mpg on the highway and gas prices are at $2.50 per gallon, then the estimated cost of gas for this drive would be approximately $282.00.

Route 3: US-50 E and I-79 S

A third option is to drive on US-50 E and switch to I-79 S to get to Pennsylvania and Morgantown, West Virginia. This route is the longest, with a total of 3,002 miles and an estimated travel time of approximately 44 hours.

If you are driving a car that gets 25 mpg on the highway and gas prices are at $2.50 per gallon, then the estimated cost of gas for this drive would be approximately $360.24.

Best Route

Based on distance and estimated cost of gas, the best route to take would be Route 2: I-70 E and I-68 E. This option is slightly shorter than Route 1, with a lower estimated cost of gas. Additionally, according to some travel websites and forums, Route 2 also has more scenic views than Route 1.

Other Factors to Consider

Aside from the distance and cost of gas, there are also other factors that you need to consider when planning your road trip to Pennsylvania and Morgantown, West Virginia. These include toll fees, hotel accommodations, food expenses, and other possible activities.

Toll fees are additional costs that you need to factor in when driving on certain roads in the United States. For example, if you take Route 1, you will need to pay toll fees on the Pennsylvania Turnpike.

Hotel accommodations are another expense that you need to consider, especially if you plan to stay overnight during your road trip. Depending on your budget and preferences, you can choose to stay in hotels, motels, or bed and breakfast establishments.

Food expenses are also important to consider, especially if you plan to eat in restaurants or diners along the way. Opting for cheaper food options such as fast food chains or preparing your own meals can help you save money.

Lastly, you might also want to consider other possible activities that you can do during your road trip. For example, in Pennsylvania, you can visit Hershey's Chocolate World or the Gettysburg National Military Park. In West Virginia, you can explore Coopers Rock State Forest or the West Virginia University Coliseum.

Conclusion

In summary, the cost of a road trip from California to Pennsylvania and Morgantown, West Virginia, will depend on the route you take, the mode of transportation you choose, and the current gas prices. Based on distance and estimated cost of gas, the best route to take would be Route 2: I-70 E and I-68 E. However, it is important to keep in mind other factors such as toll fees, hotel accommodations, food expenses, and other possible activities that can add to your overall expenses. With proper planning and budgeting, you can enjoy a memorable road trip without breaking the bank.