The Cost of Driving: Carson to Santa Ana

If you're planning a road trip from Carson, California to Santa Ana, California, you may be wondering about the cost of driving. Gas prices and tolls can add up, but there are different routes to choose from. Here, we'll break down the cost of driving based on current gas prices.

Route 1: Taking the I-405 S

The shortest route from Carson to Santa Ana is taking the I-405 S. The distance between the two cities is approximately 22.8 miles, and it would take about 35 minutes to get there without traffic.

With the average gas price being $3.50 a gallon, and an estimated fuel economy of 30 miles per gallon, gas cost would be around $2.39 for this trip. There are no tolls on this route, so the total cost of this drive would be $2.39.

Route 2: Taking the I-605 S

Another option for getting to Santa Ana from Carson is taking the I-605 S. This route is slightly longer than the first, at about 26.7 miles, but it can take less time depending on traffic. Without traffic, it would take approximately 33 minutes to get there.

Since this route is a bit longer, gas cost would be higher at around $2.78 based on the same fuel economy and gas price. Additionally, there is a toll to consider. Taking the 91 Express Lanes would cost $9.50 for this trip. The total cost of this drive would be $12.28.

Route 3: Taking the CA-22 W

Lastly, you could take the CA-22 W to get to Santa Ana from Carson. This route is a little over 20 miles, but it has a higher speed limit than the other routes. It would take approximately 27 minutes without traffic.

The gas cost for this route would be around $2.09, based on the fuel economy and gas prices we've been using. There is also a toll on this route, with the Express Lanes costing $10.25. The total cost of this drive would be $12.34.

Overall, the cost of driving from Carson to Santa Ana can vary depending on the route you take. The shortest route is the least expensive, costing only $2.39 in gas. However, taking the I-605 S with the toll would cost over $12.00. Be sure to plan ahead and choose the route that works best for you and your budget.