The Cost of a Trip Between Campbell and Vallejo
As the world slowly returns to some sense of normalcy, many people are beginning to make travel plans once again. Whether you're planning a business trip or a weekend getaway, one of the things that you'll need to consider is the cost of transportation. If you're traveling between Campbell, California and Vallejo, California, there are several factors that will impact the cost of your trip.
Possible Routes
There are several possible routes you can take from Campbell to Vallejo, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Depending on your needs and budget, you may find that one route is better suited to your needs than another.
Route 1: Via I-680 N
The first and most direct route is to take I-680 N all the way from Campbell to Vallejo. This is the fastest route, as it covers a distance of 67.7 miles and takes approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes. However, this route has some significant disadvantages. Firstly, it is a toll road, which means that you'll need to pay several tolls along the way. Additionally, this route can be quite congested during rush hour, which could add significant time to your journey.
Route 2: Via I-880 N
An alternative route is to take I-880 N from Campbell to Vallejo. This route is slightly longer, covering a distance of 76.6 miles and taking around 1 hour and 25 minutes. However, it is not a toll road, which could save you a significant amount of money. Additionally, because this route passes through fewer major cities, it tends to be less congested, which could save time during peak travel periods.
Route 3: Via CA-237 W and I-80 W
Another option is to take CA-237 W and I-80 W from Campbell to Vallejo. This route covers a distance of 80.4 miles and takes approximately 1 hour and 25 minutes. This route is not a toll road, which makes it an appealing option for those who are looking to save money. However, this route passes through some heavily populated areas, which could lead to congestion during peak travel periods.
Cost of Transportation
Once you've decided on a route, the next step is to consider the cost of transportation. There are several factors to consider when calculating the cost of your trip, including the cost of gas, tolls, and parking.
Gas Prices
Gas prices can vary significantly depending on your location and the time of year. As of June 2021, the average price of gas in California is around $4.20 per gallon. Assuming that your car gets an average of 25 miles per gallon, you can calculate the cost of gas for each route as follows:
- Route 1: I-680 N (67.7 miles) = $22.44
- Route 2: I-880 N (76.6 miles) = $25.59
- Route 3: CA-237 W and I-80 W (80.4 miles) = $26.83
Toll Fees
As mentioned earlier, Route 1 (I-680 N) is a toll road. The main toll plaza on this route is the Benicia-Martinez Bridge, which charges a toll of $6 during peak hours and $5 during off-peak hours. Depending on your travel schedule, you may need to factor in the cost of this toll when calculating the total cost of your trip.
Parking Fees
Depending on your destination in Vallejo, you may also need to pay for parking. Some popular tourist destinations, such as Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, charge for parking. The cost of parking at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, for example, is $25 for general parking and $35 for preferred parking.
Recommended Route
Based on the factors discussed above, Route 2 (I-880 N) appears to be the best route for most travelers. This route is slightly longer than Route 1 but is not a toll road, which can save you money. Additionally, this route tends to be less congested than Route 1, which could save you time during peak travel periods.
Conclusion
In conclusion, traveling between Campbell and Vallejo can be expensive, but by carefully considering your route and transportation options, you can save yourself a significant amount of money. We recommend taking Route 2 (I-880 N) for most travelers, as it is the most cost-effective and time-efficient option. Overall, the trip should take around 1 hour and 25 minutes depending on any traffic or other unforeseen circumstances.