Are you thinking of taking a road trip to Arizona? It’s an excellent destination for anyone who loves adventure, nature, and culture.
The Grand Canyon National Park, Sedona’s red rocks, the vibrant city of Phoenix, and the historic Route 66 are just a few of the many attractions that Arizona has to offer. But how much would it cost to take a road trip to Arizona? Let’s break it down.
Transportation
The first thing you need to consider is how you’ll get to Arizona. If you’re flying from another state or country, you’ll need to factor in airfare costs.
According to travel websites like Kayak and Skyscanner, the average round-trip flight ticket from New York City to Phoenix costs around $300-$400. However, prices may vary depending on your departure location and travel dates.
Assuming that you’re driving from a nearby state like California or Nevada, you’ll need to calculate fuel expenses. The distance between Los Angeles and Phoenix is around 370 miles (595 km), which can take about six hours with moderate traffic. If your car gets an average of 25 miles per gallon (10.6 km per liter) and gas costs around $3 per gallon (0.79 cents per liter), you’ll spend approximately $45 on gas one way.
Accommodation
The second major expense for a road trip is accommodation. Arizona has various options for lodging, including hotels, motels, camping grounds, Airbnb rentals, and RV parks.
If you’re looking for budget-friendly options, camping can be an excellent choice as it costs an average of $20-$40 per night in most parks. Some popular campsites in Arizona include Mather Campground at Grand Canyon National Park ($18-$25 per night), Red Rock State Park ($20-$30 per night), and Lake Havasu State Park ($20-$35 per night).
If you prefer a more comfortable stay, hotel rooms in Arizona cost around $100-$200 per night on average. However, prices may go up during peak tourist season (usually from March to May and October to November). Some affordable yet highly rated hotels in Arizona include La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Phoenix Chandler ($75-$95 per night), Best Western Plus Kings Inn & Suites ($90-$120 per night), and Comfort Inn I-17 & I-40 ($80-$100 per night).
Food and Activities
Finally, you’ll need to budget for food and activities. Arizona has plenty of local cuisines that you shouldn’t miss, such as Mexican food, Native American fry bread, and Sonoran hot dogs. You can expect to spend around $30-$50 per day on meals if you eat at affordable restaurants or cook your meals.
As for activities, there’s no shortage of things to do in Arizona. Entrance fees for national parks like Grand Canyon and Petrified Forest National Park cost around $30-$35 per vehicle for a seven-day pass. Other popular attractions like Sedona’s Pink Jeep Tours or Phoenix’s Desert Botanical Garden can range from $50-$100 per person.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the total cost of a road trip to Arizona depends on various factors such as transportation mode, accommodation type, food preferences, and activity choices. However, assuming that you’re driving from a nearby state and camping or staying at budget-friendly hotels while eating affordably priced meals and visiting one or two attractions daily, you can expect to spend around $500-$700 for a week-long trip.
Nonetheless, it’s always wise to have extra cash in case of emergencies or spontaneous adventures. Happy travels!