The Cost of a Trip Between Camarillo and Newport Beach: Navigating Gas Prices to Choose the Best Route

Are you planning a road trip between Camarillo and Newport Beach but wondering about the cost factor? If you're driving and using gasoline as fuel, the gas prices have a significant impact on your overall trip cost. Different routes offer varying distances and costs, so it makes sense to explore them before embarking on your journey. In this article, we'll discuss the different possible routes and highlight the cost and distance of each one, ending with a recommendation of the best route.

Route 1: Via 101 South and I-5 South

This route covers a distance of approximately 145 miles and takes about two and a half hours, depending on traffic. From Camarillo, you head south on US-101 S until you merge onto I-5 S, which leads you all the way to Newport Beach.

According to GasBuddy, the average gas price on August 12, 2021, for the Camarillo region is $4.35 per gallon. To cover the entire distance via Route 1, you'd need 4 gallons of gas, with a total cost of around $17.4 for a one-way trip.

Route 2: Via Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) and CA-1 S

This route takes you along the scenic Pacific coastline, covering a distance of about 140 miles. This is a more scenic route than Route 1, but it can also be more congested at times, especially during peak hours. From Camarillo, you head south on US-101 and take the exit to Pacific Coast Highway (CA-1 S) toward Malibu. This road will take you through Santa Monica, Venice Beach, and other coastal towns before reaching Newport Beach.

Since PCH and CA-1 are not major highways, this route can take longer than the previous one. According to Google Maps, it can take up to four hours, depending on traffic. However, you'll get to enjoy stunning ocean views and visit several iconic landmarks such as Santa Monica pier, Muscle Beach, and Malibu Beach.

The gas prices along Route 2 can vary depending on the location and proximity to major cities. However, according to GasBuddy, the average gas price along PCH in August 2021 is around $4.4 per gallon. If you assume a gas mileage of 25 miles per gallon, it would take about 5.6 gallons of gas to complete the journey via this route. Hence, the total cost of gas for a one-way trip would be around $24.64.

Route 3: Via CA-126 East and I-5 South

This route covers a distance of about 160 miles and takes approximately three hours, depending on traffic. From Camarillo, you head east on CA-126 and take the exit to I-5 S towards Santa Ana. This route is a bit longer than Route 1, but it allows you to bypass LA traffic and take a more direct route to Newport Beach.

According to GasBuddy, the average gas price along this route in August 2021 is around $4.4 per gallon. Assuming a gas mileage of 25 miles per gallon, it would require approximately 6.4 gallons of gas to complete the journey via this route, with a total cost of around $28.16 for a one-way trip.

Recommendation

After analyzing the possible routes, we recommend Route 1 as the best option. It's the shortest and quickest route, allowing you to reach Newport Beach in just over two hours. Although Route 2 offers a more scenic drive, it takes longer and requires more gas. Route 3 is a good choice if you want to avoid LA traffic, but it's slightly longer and more expensive than Route 1.

Overall, traveling from Camarillo to Newport Beach doesn't require much cost on gas compared to other routes considering the distances covered and traffic variations.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the cost of a trip between Camarillo and Newport Beach depends on factors such as distance, gas mileage, and gas prices. Route 1 is the most cost-effective and time-efficient route, with a total gas cost of around $17.4 for a one-way trip. However, if you're looking for a more scenic drive, Route 2 may suit you better. Route 3 is a good option to avoid LA traffic but is a bit longer and more expensive. Whatever route you choose, make sure you have plenty of gas in your tank, check traffic updates, and enjoy your journey.