Driving Cost from Davis, California to East Palo Alto, California

A picture depicting a gas pump

The Cost of a Trip from Davis to East Palo Alto: A Comprehensive Guide Based on Current Gas Prices

Planning a road trip can be exciting, but one vital element that often gets overlooked is the cost associated with fuel. If you're considering a journey from Davis, California, to East Palo Alto, California, understanding the different routes and their associated expenses can help you budget effectively. In this article, we will explore various routes, calculate fuel costs based on current gas prices, and recommend the best option for your trip.

Current Gas Prices

Before delving into the specifics of the trip, let's take a look at the current gas prices in California. As of the latest data in October 2023, the average price per gallon of regular gasoline hovers around $5.80. This figure may fluctuate slightly depending on local pricing and the gas stations you choose, but for the purpose of this analysis, we'll use $5.80 per gallon as our benchmark.

Distance and Route Options

The journey from Davis to East Palo Alto spans roughly 65 to 70 miles, depending on the route taken. Below are three popular routes, each with its respective distance, estimated travel time, and fuel costs:

Route 1: I-80 W and US-101 S

  • Distance: Approximately 67 miles
  • Estimated Travel Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (without heavy traffic)

Route Overview:

  1. Start on I-80 W from Davis.
  2. Continue on I-80 W toward San Francisco.
  3. Merge onto US-101 S toward San Jose.
  4. Take the exit for East Palo Alto.

Cost Calculation: Assuming your vehicle's fuel efficiency is 25 miles per gallon, you'll need about 2.68 gallons of gas for this route. At $5.80 per gallon, the total fuel cost would be:

[ 2.68 \text \times 5.80 \text{ dollars/gallon} = 15.54 \text ]

Route 2: CA-113 S to I-580 W and US-101 S

  • Distance: Approximately 70 miles
  • Estimated Travel Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (without heavy traffic)

Route Overview:

  1. Head south on CA-113 S from Davis.
  2. Merge onto I-580 W via the ramp to San Francisco.
  3. Merge onto US-101 S toward San Jose.
  4. Take the exit for East Palo Alto.

Cost Calculation: At the same fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, you will require around 2.8 gallons for this route. Therefore, the cost for this option is:

[ 2.8 \text \times 5.80 \text{ dollars/gallon} = 16.24 \text ]

Route 3: I-80 W and CA-84 W

  • Distance: Approximately 68 miles
  • Estimated Travel Time: 1 hour 20 minutes (without heavy traffic)

Route Overview:

  1. Start on I-80 W from Davis.
  2. Continue on I-80 W toward San Francisco.
  3. Take exit 22 for CA-84 W toward Hayward.
  4. Merge onto US-101 S toward San Jose and take the exit for East Palo Alto.

Cost Calculation: Following the same vehicle fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, the gas consumption for this route would be about 2.72 gallons:

[ 2.72 \text \times 5.80 \text{ dollars/gallon} = 15.77 \text ]

Summary of Costs

Route Distance (miles) Estimated Travel Time Fuel Cost ($)
I-80 W and US-101 S 67 1 hour 15 mins 15.54
CA-113 S to I-580 W and US-101 S 70 1 hour 30 mins 16.24
I-80 W and CA-84 W 68 1 hour 20 mins 15.77

Based on the fuel cost and travel time, the best route is I-80 W and US-101 S, which offers a cost-effective solution at $15.54 for fuel and takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes without accounting for heavy traffic. This route provides a straightforward drive along major highways, minimizing your chance of encountering delays.

Conclusion

Traveling from Davis to East Palo Alto presents several route options that cater to different preferences. The route via I-80 W and US-101 S stands out as the most efficient choice, providing the lowest fuel cost and quickest travel time. Expect to spend approximately $15.54 on gas and enjoy a 1 hour and 15 minutes trip under normal traffic conditions. With the beautiful scenery and vibrant regions along this route, your journey will be both budget-friendly and enjoyable.