Driving Cost from Cave Junction, Oregon to Phoenix, Arizona

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The Cost of Traveling from Cave Junction, OR to Phoenix, AZ

Traveling from Cave Junction, OR to Phoenix, AZ requires driving more than 1,100 miles. The distance is long, and fuel cost is a significant factor to consider before embarking on the journey. This article highlights the cost of the trip based on the current gas prices and various route options available.

Route options

Option 1: Via Interstate 5 and Interstate 10

This route is the most direct way to travel from Cave Junction, OR, to Phoenix, AZ. The distance covered is 1,163 miles, and it takes approximately 17 hours of non-stop driving, depending on traffic conditions. The route goes through several cities and towns, including Sacramento, Stockton, Los Angeles, Palm Springs, and Indio before entering Arizona.

Option 2: Via US-101 and Interstate 10

For those who prefer to avoid driving through busy cities and towns, this route works best. It covers a total distance of 1,243 miles and takes approximately 19 hours to complete. The route goes through Oregon’s coast and continues southward, passing through San Francisco, Los Angeles, and eventually to Phoenix, AZ.

Option 3: Via US-97 and Interstate 84

This route is the longest but offers a more scenic drive. The route covers a total distance of 1,301 miles and takes approximately 20 hours to complete. It cuts across the central part of Oregon and passes through several small towns before joining Interstate 84, which heads to Portland, OR. From there, the route follows Interstate 5 to reach Sacramento, CA. The route then follows Interstate 80 to Reno, NV, before joining Interstate 15 to Las Vegas, NV, and Interstate 10 to Phoenix.

Fuel Cost

The fuel cost for the trip depends on the fuel efficiency of the vehicle and the current gas prices at the pump. For the purpose of this article, we will assume a fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon (mpg) and calculate the fuel cost for a round trip. The estimated one-way distance is 1,100 miles, meaning the total distance for a round trip is approximately 2,200 miles.

The current gas prices in Cave Junction, OR, as of August 2021, is $3.99 per gallon. According to AAA, the current gas prices in Phoenix, AZ, is $3.18 per gallon. Using this data, the fuel cost can be calculated as follows:

Option 1: Via Interstate 5 and Interstate 10

The distance covered on this route is 1,163 miles, and fuel efficiency of 25 mpg will consume approximately 46.52 gallons of gas for a one-way trip. Therefore, the total fuel cost for a one-way trip will be $185.68, assuming the gas price to be constant throughout the journey. The fuel cost for a round trip will be $371.36.

Option 2: Via US-101 and Interstate 10

The distance covered on this route is 1,243 miles, and fuel efficiency of 25 mpg will consume approximately 49.72 gallons of gas for a one-way trip. Therefore, the total fuel cost for a one-way trip will be $198.14, assuming the gas price to be constant throughout the journey. The fuel cost for a round trip will be $396.28.

Option 3: Via US-97 and Interstate 84

The distance covered on this route is 1,301 miles, and fuel efficiency of 25 mpg will consume approximately 52.04 gallons of gas for a one-way trip. Therefore, the total fuel cost for a one-way trip will be $207.32, assuming the gas price to be constant throughout the journey. The fuel cost for a round trip will be $414.64.

Best route

Choosing the best route depends on personal preference. The most direct route is via Interstate 5 and Interstate 10, taking approximately 17 hours of driving time and the lowest fuel cost. The US-101 and Interstate 10 provides an opportunity to experience the coastal scenery and reduce the stress of driving through busy cities. The US-97 and Interstate 84, while the longest, offers a scenic drive through mountainous regions.

Conclusion

Driving from Cave Junction, OR, to Phoenix, AZ, requires traveling a long distance. While the cost of fuel is significant, personal preference also plays a crucial role in choosing the best route. The most direct route via Interstate 5 and Interstate 10 offers the lowest fuel cost. Overall, this trip is ideal for travelers who don't mind driving long distances and enjoy the scenic beauty of the west.