Road Trip from Austin to Destin: A Comprehensive Guide on the Cost of Driving

Spring break is around the corner, and you know what that means -- it's time to plan that ultimate road trip! If you're thinking about driving from Austin, Texas to Destin, Florida, you're in for a treat. The journey takes you through scenic routes and bustling cities, offering a great opportunity to refresh, relax, and bond with your loved ones. But before you hit the road, it's important to know how much the trip would cost. Look no further as we bring you a comprehensive guide on the cost of driving from Austin, Texas to Destin, Florida, based on current gas prices.

Route 1: Interstate 10

If you're in a hurry and prefer a more direct route, then Interstate 10 is your best bet. At approximately 864 miles, this route will take you through San Antonio, Houston, Mobile, and Pensacola before reaching Destin. Though it might be the most straightforward path, it is not toll-free. So be prepared to shell out $10.90 for tolls along the way.

The average gas price in Texas as of February 2021 is $2.21 per gallon. With an estimated MPG of 27 miles for most mid-sized cars, you'll need just about 32 gallons of gas for this journey. That's a total gas cost of around $71. If we add the toll fee, the total cost of this route would be around $81. Keep in mind that this price may fluctuate based on the gas prices on your dates of travel.

Route 2: The Scenic Route

If you have more time and want to experience the beauty of nature, we suggest taking the scenic route that takes you through Louisiana and Mississippi. This route is approximately 970 miles long, taking you through Baton Rouge and New Orleans before reaching Mobile. The journey then continues east to Pensacola, ending in Destin.

This route is toll-free, meaning you only have to consider the cost of gas. At the time of writing this blog post, the average gas price in Louisiana and Mississippi is $2.39 per gallon. With an estimated MPG of 27 miles for most mid-sized cars, you'll need about 36 gallons of gas, bringing the total gas cost to approximately $86. This route might take a little longer than the previous one, but it will give you an unforgettable road trip experience while keeping the wallet happy.

Route 3: The Coastal Route

If you're feeling adventurous and want to take a break from the highways, we suggest taking the scenic coastal route. This route is about 1,050 miles long and will take you east to Alice, then south along the Gulf until you reach Destin.

This route is partly toll-free, with some toll roads in Texas costing $4.25. The gas prices on this route are similar to Route 2, with an average of $2.39 per gallon. With the same estimated MPG of 27 miles, you'll need around 39 gallons of gas, costing you approximately $93. Adding in the toll fees, the total cost of this route would be around $98.

In Conclusion

Road trips are a great way to unwind, relax and bond with friends and family. But it's important to know how much the trip will cost to make the most of your budget. The cost of driving from Austin, Texas to Destin, Florida, depends mostly on the route you take and the cost of gas and toll roads. As of February 2021, the average gas price per gallon is around $2.21 in Texas, $2.39 in Louisiana, and Mississippi. Toll roads on the journey between Austin and Destin will raise the costs anywhere from $4.25 to $10.90. We recommend estimating about $80 to $100 for the cost of the trip, depending on the route you choose and the current gas prices on your travel dates. Safe travels!