Driving Cost from Calistoga, California to Carmel-by-the-Sea, California

A picture depicting a gas pump

The Cost of a Trip between Calistoga and Carmel-by-the-Sea: The Ultimate Guide

Are you planning a road trip between Calistoga and Carmel-by-the-Sea, but not sure how much it will cost you in gas? Look no further! In this article, we will break down the cost of different possible routes, highlight the distance, and recommend the best option based on current gas prices.

The Possible Routes

There are three main routes that you can take from Calistoga to Carmel-by-the-Sea:

  1. Highway 101 South
  2. Highway 29 South to Highway 37 West to Highway 101 South
  3. Highway 128 West to Highway 1 South

Each route has different pros and cons, including distance, toll fees, and gas prices.

Highway 101 South

The most direct route between Calistoga and Carmel-by-the-Sea is taking Highway 101 South. According to Google Maps, it is approximately 196 miles and will take you about 3 hours and 20 minutes without traffic.

Gas prices in California fluctuate frequently, but as of August 2021, the average gas price for a gallon in California is $4.30. If you consider that the average MPG (miles per gallon) for a car in the United States is 25, then the total cost for gas for this trip would be around $58.24.

One thing to keep in mind is that there are toll fees when you take this route. The Golden Gate Bridge toll is $8.70 for a two-axle vehicle. So, if you're planning on taking this route, make sure to have cash or a FasTrak account to pay for the tolls.

Highway 29 South to Highway 37 West to Highway 101 South

If you're looking for a more scenic route, Highway 29 might be the better option for you. It passes through Napa Valley with spectacular views of vineyards and wineries. However, this route is longer and will add about 24 miles to your trip.

After taking Highway 29 South, you will need to turn left onto Highway 37 West towards Novato. Then, take Highway 101 South towards Carmel-by-the-Sea.

The total distance for this route is approximately 219 miles, and it will take you about 3 hours and 45 minutes without traffic. The gas cost will be higher with the extra miles, totaling about $65.52 in gas at the average California gas price of $4.30 per gallon.

The toll fees when taking this route are also higher. The Carquinez Bridge toll is $6 for a two-axle vehicle, and the Golden Gate Bridge toll is $8.70. So, the total toll fees for this route are $14.70.

Highway 128 West to Highway 1 South

The third and most scenic route to Carmel-by-the-Sea is taking Highway 128 West to Highway 1 South. This route offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the Big Sur coastline.

However, this route is the longest and will add about 62 miles to your trip. The total distance for this route is approximately 258 miles, and it will take you about 5 hours without traffic.

The gas cost for this trip will be the highest, totaling about $92.88 in gas at the average California gas price of $4.30 per gallon. However, this price may vary depending on how fuel-efficient your car is.

There are also no toll fees when taking this route. So, if you're not in a rush and want to enjoy the scenic views, this route might be your best option.

Recommendation

Based on the distance, gas cost, and toll fees, our recommendation is to take the Highway 101 South route. It is the shortest route with the lowest total cost, including toll fees and gas.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a road trip between Calistoga and Carmel-by-the-Sea is not only scenic but can be affordable as well. The best route for you depends on your preferences, but we recommend taking Highway 101 South for the most direct and cost-effective option.

The trip is approximately 196 miles and will take about 3 hours and 20 minutes without traffic. Remember to factor in additional time for traffic or stops along the way. By following our recommendations, you can have an enjoyable and budget-friendly road trip from Calistoga to Carmel-by-the-Sea.