Buckeye, Arizona to Little Elm, Texas: Calculating the Cost of Your Road Trip
If you're planning a road trip from Buckeye, Arizona to Little Elm, Texas, calculating the cost of the trip is essential for budgeting and planning. The cost of a road trip depends on several factors, like the distance, fuel prices, and vehicle fuel efficiency. In this article, we're going to break down the cost of a trip between Buckeye, Arizona, and Little Elm, Texas, by analyzing different possible routes and their costs.
The Route Options
I-40 and I-35 route: This is the quickest route, covering a total distance of 1,057 miles. It involves taking I-10 East from Buckeye, Arizona, and driving towards Albuquerque, New Mexico. You will then take I-40 East towards Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and finally take I-35 South towards Little Elm, Texas.
US-180 and US-67 route: This route is slightly longer, covering a total distance of 1,127 miles. It involves taking US-60 East from Buckeye, Arizona, towards Socorro, New Mexico. You then take US-180 East towards Breckenridge, Texas, and finally take US-67 South towards Little Elm, Texas.
I-10 and US-287 route: This route is the longest, covering a total distance of 1,294 miles. It involves taking I-10 East from Buckeye, Arizona, towards San Antonio, Texas. You then take I-410 North towards I-35 North and continue onto US-287 North towards Little Elm, Texas.
Fuel Prices
Fuel prices vary from state to state and affect the overall cost of a road trip. Before embarking on your journey, it is essential to check the average fuel prices in each state you'll be traveling through. As of June 2021, the average gas price in Arizona is $3.11 per gallon, and the average diesel price is $3.33 per gallon. In New Mexico, the average gas price is $2.99 per gallon, and the average diesel price is $3.15 per gallon. Texas has an average gas price of $2.81 per gallon and an average diesel price of $2.99 per gallon.
Cost Breakdown by Route
I-40 and I-35 Route
To calculate the cost of this trip, we'll assume average fuel efficiency for a passenger car of 25 miles per gallon (MPG) and a gas price of $3.11 per gallon. Given a total distance of 1,057 miles, the required fuel consumption is 42.3 gallons, which translates to a total fuel cost of $131.48. The total tolls cost for this route is $2.
Thus, the estimated cost of the trip using I-40 and I-35 is $133.48.
US-180 and US-67 Route
To calculate the cost of this trip, we'll assume average fuel efficiency for a passenger car of 25 MPG and a gas price of $3.11 per gallon. Given a total distance of 1,127 miles, the required fuel consumption is 45.08 gallons, which translates to a total fuel cost of $140.13. The total tolls cost for this route is $5.
Thus, the estimated cost of the trip using US-180 and US-67 is $145.13.
I-10 and US-287 Route
To calculate the cost of this trip, we'll assume average fuel efficiency for a passenger car of 25 MPG and a gas price of $3.11 per gallon. Given a total distance of 1,294 miles, the required fuel consumption is 51.76 gallons, which translates to a total fuel cost of $161.03. The total tolls cost for this route is $18.
Thus, the estimated cost of the trip using I-10 and US-287 is $179.03.
Recommended Route
Based on the cost breakdown, taking I-40 and I-35 is the cheapest route, costing only $133.48. While I-10 and US-287 is the most expensive route, costing $179.03, it is the most scenic route, passing through San Antonio, Texas.
However, the US-180 and US-67 route is a reasonable compromise between the two, costing $145.13. This route passes through some scenic areas, like Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Dallas, Texas, which might be of interest to travelers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the cost of a road trip between Buckeye, Arizona, and Little Elm, Texas, depends on the route taken, fuel prices, and vehicle fuel efficiency. The cheapest route is taking I-40 and I-35, with an estimated cost of $133.48. While I-10 and US-287 is the most expensive route, costing $179.03, it is the most scenic route. The estimated cost of using US-180 and US-67 is $145.13. Regardless of the route taken, it's essential to budget for the fuel costs and possible tolls along the way. So, pack up your bags, plan ahead, choose the best route, and enjoy your road trip from Buckeye, Arizona, to Little Elm, Texas!