Trip Cost Comparison: Carmel-by-the-Sea, California to Tenaja, California
If you're planning a road trip from Carmel-by-the-Sea, California to Tenaja, California, one of the factors you will need to consider is the cost of your trip. The cost of a trip will depend on several factors such as the distance, the type of vehicle you're driving, current gas prices, and the route you take. In this article, we will break down the trip cost and compare the most popular routes from Carmel-by-the-Sea to Tenaja.
Route 1: Pacific Coast Highway
One of the most popular routes that many drivers take is the Pacific Coast Highway. This route will take you down the scenic coastline and provide you with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. The total distance of this route is about 140 miles, and it will take you approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes without any stops.
The cost of driving from Carmel-by-the-Sea to Tenaja using Pacific Coast Highway will depend on several factors, including the type of vehicle and the current gas prices. According to gas prices from AAA, the current gas price in California is $4.15 per gallon.
Assuming your vehicle gets an average gas mileage of 25 miles per gallon, you will need approximately 5.6 gallons of gas for this trip. The total cost of gas will be around $23.24. Additionally, you'll need to budget for any tolls, parking fees, and other expenses that you may incur along the way.
Route 2: I-5 South
Another option for driving from Carmel-by-the-Sea to Tenaja is to take I-5 South. This is a more direct and quicker route compared to Pacific Coast Highway but not as scenic. The total distance of this route is about 225 miles, and it will take you approximately 4 hours without any stops.
The cost of driving from Carmel-by-the-Sea to Tenaja using I-5 South will depend on the same factors as Pacific Coast Highway. Assuming your vehicle gets an average gas mileage of 25 miles per gallon and the current gas price of $4.15 per gallon, you will need around 9 gallons of gas for this trip. The total cost of gas will be around $37.35.
Additionally, you'll need to budget for any tolls, parking fees, and other expenses that you may incur along the way.
Route 3: US-101 South
The third route you can take from Carmel-by-the-Sea to Tenaja is US-101 South, which is a more inland route. The total distance of this route is about 240 miles, and it will take you approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes without any stops.
The cost of driving from Carmel-by-the-Sea to Tenaja using US-101 South will also depend on the same factors as the other routes. Assuming your vehicle gets an average gas mileage of 25 miles per gallon and the current gas price of $4.15 per gallon, you will need approximately 9.6 gallons of gas for this trip. The total cost of gas will be around $39.84.
Again, you'll need to budget for any tolls, parking fees, and other expenses that you may incur along the way.
Costs Comparison
Here's a table that compares the estimated cost for each of the three routes:
| Route | Distance | Driving Time | Gas cost | Tolls and Fees | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pacific Coast HWY | 140 mi | 3h 30m | $23.24 | $0 | $23.24 |
| I-5 South | 225 mi | 4h | $37.35 | $0 | $37.35 |
| US-101 South | 240 mi | 4h 30m | $39.84 | $0 | $39.84 |
Recommendation
After evaluating the different routes, we recommend taking Pacific Coast Highway as it offers the most scenic views along the way. Although it's not the most direct route and takes longer than the other routes, it makes the journey enjoyable and relaxing, especially for those who may want to take a break from their daily routine.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when planning a trip from Carmel-by-the-Sea to Tenaja, the cost of your trip will depend on several factors, including the route you choose, the type of vehicle you're driving, and the current gas prices. Taking Pacific Coast Highway will cost you around $23.24 in gas, taking approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes to reach your destination. However, you should also consider the additional expenses such as tolls, parking fees, and other expenses that you may incur along the way. Whatever route you choose, make sure to have a great time and enjoy the journey!