How much will it cost to travel between Carson and West Covina, CA?

Are you planning a trip from Carson to West Covina, California but aren't sure how much it will cost? There are multiple routes you can take, each with different distances and costs. In this article, we'll break down the different possible routes and help you find the most cost-effective option.

Route 1: Take the I-5

The first and most straightforward route you can take is via the I-5. This route takes you through downtown Los Angeles and is approximately 28 miles long. The estimated travel time is around 40 minutes, depending on traffic.

However, traveling along this route could be more expensive considering the high traffic volume along the I-5. It will burn a significant quantity of fuel, and you may spend a lot of time dealing with traffic, which can be tiring and frustrating.

Estimated cost: If your car gets 25 miles to the gallon and fuel currently costs $3.70/gallon, the cost of this trip surmounts to about $13.50 - approximately $14 (round up).

Route 2: Take the I-110 and I-10

Another way to travel from Carson to West Covina is to take the I-110 and I-10. This route passes through downtown L.A and is approximately 28.5 miles. The estimated travel time is around 50 minutes depending on traffic, which sometimes, is heavier in downtown than on the I-5.

Estimated cost: Using the same fuel efficiency and current fuel cost as in Route 1, the estimated cost of this route would be approximately $14 - approximately $15 (rounded up).

Route 3: Take the local streets

Although it may take a little more time, skipping the highway and navigating through the streets is sometimes a great money-saving option. The distance between Carson and West Covina is around 22 miles along the local routes. Travel time is around 40 minutes up to an hour, depending on the route you choose.

Avoiding highways might save gas and reduce wear and tear on your vehicle, however, be prepared to spend more time in traffic on some local streets.

Estimated cost: Since local streets have several stop signs and traffic lights that slow drivers down and increase fuel consumption, the estimated cost of this route is approximately $15 - approximately $16 (rounded up) for a car that gets 25 miles per gallon.

Which route is the best?

After going through the different routes, It's pretty clear that the I-5 is the cheapest, most direct, and has the shortest route in terms of distance and travel time. However, bear in mind that Route 1 can be excruciating during rush hour, whether or not you choose and decide to have your AC on or not, especially driving through Downtown Los Angeles’ heavily populated environment.

Route 3 may be slower, but it does offer the best scenic driving experience along the way; however, it's the most expensive in terms of fuel cost than the other routes, as it has several stops and traffic lights that restrict speed.

It is essential to keep in mind that the cost of your trip will vary depending on some other factors, among which are fuel consumption based on your car’s performance, fuel price at the time you travel, and the total distance you cover.

Conclusion

After a thorough analysis of the different routes you can take and the cost implications of each, we recommend taking Route 1 - traveling through the I-5. It's the most direct, inexpensive, and has the shortest route in terms of distance and travel time.

It's a convenient and cost-saving option if you avoid hitting rush hour or travelling during heavy traffic congestion within Downtown Los Angeles. If you opt for Route 2 or 3, be sure to be cautious with your fuel consumption and planned ahead of time to arrive at your destination on time. Whichever route you decide to take, stay safe, enjoy the journey, and remain aware of other road users.