The Cost of Driving From Austin, Texas to Wichita, Kansas

Are you thinking of hitting the road and taking a trip from Austin, Texas to Wichita, Kansas? Before you start packing your bags, let's discuss the cost of driving this distance. Gas prices fluctuate, toll roads might be involved, and there are different routes to consider. Let's take a closer look at the various options so you can make an informed decision.

Route 1: I-35 North

The most direct route is taking I-35 North, which spans over 400 miles. This route will take you through Dallas and Oklahoma City before reaching Wichita. The distance is 409 miles, and the trip takes about 6 hours. You'll need to pay about $10 in tolls along the way.

The cost for this route will depend on the current gas prices, but let's assume that you are driving a car that gets around 30 miles per gallon (mpg), and the current gas price is around $2.50 per gallon. This means you'll need around 13.6 gallons of gas, which will cost you approximately $34.

Total cost including gas and tolls: $44

Route 2: US-281 North

If you want to avoid tolls, you could take US-281 North, which also spans over 400 miles. This route will take you through San Antonio, Abilene, and Wichita Falls before reaching Wichita. The distance is 416 miles, and the trip takes about 7 hours and 30 minutes.

The cost for this route would be lower due to no tolls, and assuming the same car and gas price, you'll need around 13.9 gallons of gas, resulting in a cost of approximately $35.

Total cost excluding toll: $35

Route 3: US-183 North

Another option is taking US-183 North, which spans over 500 miles. This route will take you through several towns before merging onto US-83 North to reach Wichita. The distance is 518 miles, and the trip takes about 9 hours.

This route will also require around 17.3 gallons of gas, and assuming the same car and gas price, it will cost you approximately $43.

Total cost excluding toll: $43

Which route is best?

Each route has its own pros and cons, but ultimately it comes down to personal preference. If you're in a rush and want the most direct route, I-35 North might be best for you. If you want to save money on tolls, US-281 North is the way to go. And if you prefer scenic drives, US-183 North might be more appealing.

Regardless of the route you choose, make sure to factor in the cost of gas and any tolls along the way to ensure you stay within budget. Drive safely and enjoy the adventure!