The Cost of a Road Trip from Burleson to Frisco: Gas Prices, Routes, and Recommendations
Are you planning a road trip from Burleson, Texas to Frisco, Texas? Whether for business or pleasure, this journey can be smooth and affordable if you plan ahead. Gas prices, traffic conditions, and route options can all affect the total cost and duration of your travels. In this article, we will explore the different routes available and their respective costs based on current gas prices.
Gas Prices
Before diving into the specific routes, it's important to consider the cost of gas. As of September 2021, the average gas price in Texas is $2.77 per gallon according to GasBuddy.com. However, this may vary depending on the region and the gas station you choose. It's a good idea to check the prices near your starting point to get an accurate estimate of the total cost.
Another factor to keep in mind is the fuel efficiency of your vehicle. How many miles can you go on a gallon of gas? This will determine how many times and how much you need to refuel during the trip. According to the Department of Energy, the average fuel efficiency of a passenger car in the United States is 24.9 miles per gallon. However, this also depends on the make, model, and year of your car.
Route Options
There are several possible routes to get from Burleson to Frisco. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages in terms of cost, distance, and traffic. Here are four common routes, arranged from the shortest to the longest:
Route 1: I-35W N and SH-121 N (via Fort Worth and Grapevine)
This is the most direct route, covering a distance of about 48 miles. You start by taking I-35W North from Burleson and following the signs for DFW Airport. Then, you switch to SH-121 North and continue until you reach Frisco. This route can be relatively fast and easy to navigate, especially if you're familiar with the highways around Fort Worth. However, it can also be congested during rush hour and prone to accidents.
According to GasBuddy.com, if you drive a car with 24.9 miles per gallon efficiency and assume the gas price is $2.77 per gallon, this route will cost you about $6.46 for one-way and $12.92 for round-trip.
Route 2: I-35W N, I-20 W, and I-30 W (via Dallas)
This route takes a longer distance, about 62 miles, but avoids some of the traffic on SH-121 by going through Dallas. You start by taking I-35W North and following the signs for Dallas. Then, you switch to I-20 West and continue until you reach I-30 West. Finally, you switch to SH-121 North and continue until you reach Frisco. This route can be useful if you want to take a detour to downtown Dallas or if there's heavy traffic on SH-121. However, it also adds more time and potential tolls to your trip.
According to GasBuddy.com, if you follow the same assumptions as before, this route will cost you about $8.52 for one-way and $17.04 for round-trip.
Route 3: I-35W N and I-35E N (via Denton)
This route covers a distance of about 56 miles and takes you through Denton, a college town in North Texas. You start by taking I-35W North and following the signs for Denton. Then, you switch to I-35E North and continue until you reach Frisco. This route can be scenic and less stressful than the previous two options, especially if you enjoy college campuses and small towns. However, it can also be slower and less direct.
According to GasBuddy.com, if you follow the same assumptions as before, this route will cost you about $7.17 for one-way and $14.34 for round-trip.
Route 4: US-377 N and US-380 E (via Benbrook, Decatur, and McKinney)
This route covers a distance of about 74 miles and takes you through several smaller towns. You start by taking US-377 North and continuing until you reach US-380 East. Then, you continue on US-380 until you reach Frisco. This route can be a good option if you want to avoid highways and see more of the rural areas of North Texas. However, it can also be more time-consuming and less convenient if you need to make stops or encounter traffic.
According to GasBuddy.com, if you follow the same assumptions as before, this route will cost you about $9.49 for one-way and $18.98 for round-trip.
Recommendations
Based on the above information, Route 1 (I-35W N and SH-121 N via Fort Worth and Grapevine) seems to be the most economical and efficient option for a road trip from Burleson to Frisco. It's the shortest and most direct route, avoiding major congestion and tolls. It should take you approximately 50 minutes to one hour to get there depending on traffic conditions. However, it's always good to check the traffic updates and weather forecast before hitting the road.
Some additional tips for saving money and time on your road trip:
- Fill up your gas tank before leaving Burleson and avoid refueling on highways or near airports, which tend to have higher prices.
- Pack snacks and drinks for the trip, instead of buying them at gas stations or rest areas.
- Use a GPS or map app to plan your route in advance and avoid getting lost or taking detours.
- Take breaks and stretch your legs every few hours to avoid fatigue or cramps.
Conclusion
In summary, the cost of a road trip from Burleson to Frisco depends on several factors, such as gas prices, fuel efficiency, and route options. The most direct and economical route seems to be Route 1 (I-35W N and SH-121 N via Fort Worth and Grapevine), which costs about $12.92 for round-trip based on current gas prices. However, other routes may be worthwhile if you want to explore different areas or avoid certain traffic. Plan ahead, stay safe, and enjoy your trip!