The Cost of a Road Trip Between Amarillo and Dallas: Navigating Current Gas Prices in 2021
Are you planning to take a road trip from Amarillo to Dallas in 2021? With the rapidly changing gas prices and different route options, it can be challenging to estimate the cost of your trip accurately. To help you navigate the expenses, this article breaks down the cost of travel between Amarillo and Dallas.
Route Options
There are three main routes for traveling between Amarillo and Dallas:
- Interstate 40 & 35E
- US-287 & 81
- US-287 & I-45
Route 1: Interstate 40 & 35E
Interstate 40 and 35E route to Dallas is the most direct and probably the fastest option to reach your destination. The distance between Amarillo and Dallas on this route is 382 miles. The estimated travel time for this route is about six hours, depending on traffic conditions.
Route 2: US-287 & 81
The US-287 and 81 route is 411 miles long, and it will take you about 7 hours to reach your destination. This route is slightly longer than route 1, but it may be a better option if you wish to avoid highway driving conditions.
Route 3: US-287 & I-45
Route 3 goes through the city of Houston and is slightly longer than Route 2, stretching 478 miles long. The journey time on this route will be approximately eight hours. This route could only be a better option if you want to make a quick stop in Houston.
Cost Estimations
The cost of a road trip involves several factors such as gas prices, the type of vehicle you drive, the distance, and the route you take. Let us breakdown the estimated cost of each route using the current gas prices in Texas as of July 2021, assuming you are driving a mid-sized car that gets about 20 miles per gallon (mpg) and with a 15-gallon tank car capacity. The current average gas price in Texas is around $2.70 per gallon.
Route 1: Interstate 40 & 35E
If you take route 1 from Amarillo to Dallas, you will consume approximately 19 gallons. At current gas prices, you will spend approximately $51.30 on fuel. However, keep in mind that this could change based on the size of your vehicle and traffic delays.
Route 2: US-287 & 81
If you take the US-287 & 81 route to Dallas, your trip will cover a distance of 411 miles, and you will consume approximately 21 gallons of gasoline. Hence, you will need to spend approximately $56.70 on fuel costs.
Route 3: US-287 & I-45
If you take US-287 and I-45, your trip will be about 478 miles long, and you will consume approximately 24 gallons. Depending on the current gas prices, this will cost you approximately $64.80 in gasoline expenses.
Recommended Route
Based on the distance and estimated fuel costs of each route, it is clear that Route 1 is the most economical, fastest, and direct option to reach Dallas. Although routes 2 and 3 are only slightly longer, they will require you to spend more on gasoline, and you may encounter heavy traffic during peak times.
Moreover, route 1 takes you on the most direct path, without taking any detours to significant cities like Houston. Hence, if your primary purpose for the trip is to get to Dallas, Route 1 is the recommended option.
Conclusion
The total cost of a road trip from Amarillo to Dallas depends on several factors such as gas prices, route, traffic, and vehicle type. While Route 1 via Interstate 40 & 35E is the shortest route, it is also the most economical option that will cost you only approximately $51.30 for gasoline if you're driving a 15-gallon tank car that gets around 20 miles per gallon. The total distance is approximately 382 miles, taking around 6 hours depending on traffic conditions, allowing you to travel hassle-free to your destination while keeping the overall cost lower.