SEATTLE — Almost 35 million Americans are expected to hit the road for the holiday weekend, according to a AAA estimate.
Those numbers -- which are close to pre-pandemic numbers -- come as drivers in Washington and across the country continue to feel the pain of high gas prices.
The Crescent Market gas station at the Snoqualmie Casino tried to provide a few people with some relief Friday morning, as the station gave away five gallons of regular gas to the first 99 cars in line starting at 7 a.m.
Some arrived as early as 5:30 a.m. before hitting the road for vacations that will undoubtedly cost more this year.
Washington's current average gas price is $5.22, compared to $3.56 this time in 2021.
Drivers will definitely feel that increase as they stop by the gas pump to fill up.
Higher gas prices add up
Let’s say you 're heading to Montana to visit family with an average fuel economy of 25 miles per gallon.
Last year, a one-way trip to Bozeman would have cost around $90, but this year it will cost you nearly $140.
Even a shorter getaway to Cannon Beach will cost an additional $10, from $28 to $40.
If you're taking a longer road trip all the way down to Los Angeles?
In 2021, that would have cost nearly $160. As of Friday, that's a whopping $230, about $70 dollars more.
The trip back would be even more expensive, gas in California averages more than $6 a gallon.