The Cost of a Road Trip between Carson City, NV and Discovery Bay, CA
Are you planning a road trip between Carson City, Nevada, and Discovery Bay, California? There are several routes you can take to get there, each with a different distance and cost. In this article, we will review those routes and provide recommendations on the best one for your next adventure.
Possible Routes
Route 1: I-80 W and I-680 S
The first route is the most direct path between Carson City and Discovery Bay. It takes you through Sacramento, and it’s a popular option for those who want to save time on their travels. Here’s what you should expect from this route:
- Distance: 193 miles
- Time: 3 hours and 30 minutes
- Gas Cost (based on the average gas price of $3.19/gallon): $30.19
To reach I-80 W from Carson City, you’ll need to take N Carson St. until it merges onto US-395 S. Follow US-395 S for about 30 miles until you are prompted to take exit 57A. This exit leads you to I-80 W, which will take you straight to Highway 12 Traffic Circle in Fairfield. You will merge onto I-680 S, and then take exit 44, which will put you into Discovery Bay.
Route 2: US-50 W and I-5 S
If you prefer to avoid the traffic of Sacramento, US-50 W and I-5 S may be a solid alternative. This route takes you through the historic town of Placerville and through Sacramento’s metropolitan-adjacent cities. Here are the details:
- Distance: 228 miles
- Time: 4 hours
- Gas Cost (based on the average gas price of $3.19/gallon): $34.44
To take this route, you need to take Carson St. until you reach US-50 W. Continue on US-50 W for 100 miles, and then merge onto I-5 S. Follow I-5 S for 27 miles and then take exit 498 for CA-4 E, which will get you to Discovery Bay.
Route 3: NV-88 W and CA-12 W
Another option is to take NV-88 W and CA-12 W. This option is perfect for those who want to have a more scenic drive. Before making a left turn to NV-88 W, you can stop by the city of Genoa for its breathtaking views. Here’s what you should expect from this route:
- Distance: 170 miles
- Time: 3 hours and 45 minutes
- Gas Cost (based on the average gas price of $3.19/gallon): $25.86
To take this route, you need to take N Carson St. again and leave Carson City through Foothill Rd. in order to access NV-88 W. Once there, stay on NV-88 W for 88 miles, which will take you to CA-88 W. Finally, merge onto CA-12 W and travel for 4.6 miles until you reach Discovery Bay.
Which Route to Take?
Deciding which route to take depends on your preferences, time, and budget. If your priority is arriving as quickly as possible, Route 1 is the least time-consuming of the three. However, this comes at the expense of driving through Sacramento’s busy metropolitan areas.
If you prefer to avoid congested highways and enjoy scenic views, Route 3 would be the best option. Although it’s approximately 20 miles shorter than Route 1, it might take slightly longer due to the slower-speed limits. However, the stunning scenery of the Sierra Nevada mountains makes it an ideal choice for those who appreciate picturesque drives.
Route 2 is the longest of the three, but it’s popular for those interested in exploring the historic landmarks along the way. Without the urban congestion of Sacramento, Route 2 could be the best option if you’re looking for a combination of speed, culture, and nature.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the route you choose depends mainly on the time, money, and preferences factors when driving between Carson City and Discovery Bay. You can’t go wrong by selecting any of the three routes mentioned in this article, as they all offer plenty of fantastic things to see. However, depending on your traveling priorities, there might be one that stands out. Plan your trip carefully, consider all of the variables, and enjoy the fantastic journey between Carson City and Discovery Bay California. Safe travels!