Driving Cost from Diamond Bar, California to Santa Monica, California

A picture depicting a gas pump

The Cost of Driving from Diamond Bar to Santa Monica: A Journey to the Coast

Planning a day trip from Diamond Bar to Santa Monica? It’s a fantastic idea! Whether you're going for a beach day, dining at a seaside restaurant, or just enjoying the coastal vibe, you’ll want to know how much it will cost you to get there. With fluctuating gas prices and various routes to consider, it’s essential to plan ahead. Let’s dive into the different routes you can take, their costs, and travel times!

Route 1: The Scenic 10 Freeway

The most straightforward and beautiful route takes you along the I-10 West. This route is famous for its picturesque views and relatively smooth traffic—ideal for cruising along with your windows down.

  • Distance: Approximately 34 miles
  • Time: Generally takes about 40-50 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.
  • Cost: With the current gas price at about $5.00 per gallon, and assuming your vehicle averages 25 miles per gallon, you’ll spend around $6.80 on gas for this trip. Not too shabby!

Keep in mind that this route is toll-free, so you won't have to worry about extra charges here!

Route 2: The Fast Lane via the 60 and 405

If you're in a hurry and want to make the trip faster, you can take the CA-60 West to the I-405 South. This route is a bit longer but often helps you dodge traffic altogether.

  • Distance: About 37 miles
  • Time: Typically takes around 35-45 minutes when traffic cooperates.
  • Cost: Based on the same gas price of $5.00 per gallon and a vehicle that achieves 25 miles per gallon, the fuel cost will be approximately $7.40.

This route also doesn’t involve tolls, so it's budget-friendly!

Route 3: The Coastal Detour via Pacific Coast Highway (PCH)

For those who want to soak in the views along the way, consider taking the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH). This route will allow you to enjoy stunning seaside scenery, making it a memorable drive.

  • Distance: Approximately 41 miles
  • Time: Expect a travel time of about 1 hour to 1.5 hours, as you’ll be tempted to stop frequently for those beachside photos!
  • Cost: With gas prices still at $5.00 per gallon and your car giving about 25 miles per gallon, this route will cost you around $8.20 for gas.

While there are no tolls on this road either, remember that depending on the time and day, traffic may slow you down, adding to your driving time.

Conclusion

To sum it up, a trip from Diamond Bar to Santa Monica can definitely fit a range of budgets and schedules. Whether you choose the classic I-10, the swift CA-60 and I-405, or the scenic PCH, you will get a taste of California beauty along the way. Your estimated fuel costs for a round trip will range between approximately $13.60 to $16.40 depending on the route you select.

So pack your beach gear, hop in the car, and enjoy the ride to Santa Monica! The sun and surf await. Safe travels!