The Cost of Driving From Albuquerque to Golden: A Road Trip Analysis Based on Current Gas Prices

Ready for an adventure behind the wheel? We sure are! If you're planning on driving from Albuquerque, New Mexico to Golden, Colorado, you're probably wondering how much it'll cost you for gas and tolls. This road trip is jam-packed with scenic routes and plenty of photo opportunities, so budgeting for the journey is an important thing to consider.

The Route: I-25 N

The most direct and typically cheapest route from Albuquerque to Golden is taking I-25 N. This route is approximately 346.8 miles and takes around 5.5 hours to complete. If you are driving a car that has an average fuel efficiency of 25 mpg and gas costs $2.89 per gallon (pricing from Google Maps as of September 15th, 2021), it would cost you around $50 in gas to make the trip.

Unfortunately, there are a few toll plazas on the way to Colorado, so make sure to bring some cash or plan ahead with an electronic pass. One toll plaza includes the E-470 Toll Plaza in Denver, which will cost you $19.20. So, the total cost of tolls in addition to gas is $69.20.

The Scenic Route: Turquoise Trail National Scenic Byway

Want a little more adventure and scenery on your drive? Take the Turquoise Trail National Scenic Byway. This route will add an extra 57.1 miles and increase the driving time to around 6 hours. However, it's worth the time and cost to see the picturesque views of the Sandia Mountains and the Cibola National Forest.

Driving from this route needs more gas since it will take more time. The estimated consumption of petrol is about 14.35 gallons or 22.2 mpg. That means you'll spend about $41.57 on gas for this route. There are no toll booths to watch out, so that's certainly a plus. The total cost of this route is around $41.57.

The Off-the-Beaten-Path Route: NM-536 W

Finally, for those who seek an adventurous route that prefers to avoid highways, consider the NM-536 W route. This one is a bit longer, approximately 379.2 miles, and takes around 9 hours to complete. However, you'll have the opportunity to see the sights of historic towns like San Ysidro and Bernalillo, not to mention the stunning mountain views.

Driving on this route would require more petrol since it takes 9 hours. The estimated consumption of petrol is approximately 28.75 gallons or 13.2 mpg. So expect to spend around $83.08 on gas. Fortunately, this route does not have any toll booths to deal with, so that's at least one less thing to think about. The total cost of this route is around $83.08.

Conclusion

When you hit the road, it's important to keep in mind the total cost of your trip, including gas and tolls. We hope this breakdown helps you plan and budget for your upcoming trip from Albuquerque to Golden. Make sure to weigh your options, understand the cost of tolls, and enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way. Good luck with your journey!