The Cost of a Road Trip Between Burleson and McKinney in Light of Gas Prices
As gas prices continue to fluctuate, it becomes challenging to estimate the cost of a road trip from one location to another. Understanding what route to take, how far apart the locations are, and how long the journey takes can help determine the total cost accurately. This article will discuss the various routes between Burleson, Texas, and McKinney, Texas, highlighting the cost and distance of each one. Additionally, we'll recommend the best route to take while considering the price of petrol.
The Possible Routes From Burleson to McKinney
Generally, there are two main routes to get from Burleson, Texas, to McKinney, Texas. One can travel via the I-35E N route, or opt for the Highway 287 N way.
- I-35E N Route: This route is the most direct route that is about 66 miles from Burleson to McKinney. It takes about one hour and a half of driving and has several tolls along the way.
- Highway 287 N Route: This route is a bit more indirect but offers scenic views including several towns of interest, such as Midlothian and Waxahachie. The distance covered is approximately 91 miles, and the travel time can take about two hours.
Calculating the Cost of Gas
To find the cost of gas for the trip, we need to know the average gas consumption of your vehicle, the distance to be travelled, and the average price of gas in Texas at the time of travel. The average gas mileage varies depending on the type of car and model. In general, mid-sized vehicles get around 25 miles to the gallon.
For the following calculations, we assumed that the gas prices in Texas are $2.70 per gallon and that the average consumption is about 25 miles per gallon.
- I-35E N Route: The distance from Burleson to McKinney is approximately 66 miles. Therefore, the amount spent on gas would be (66 miles ÷ 25 miles/gallon) x $2.70 per gallon = $7.13. This amount is subject to fluctuation, one reason being the varying toll charges along the way.
- Highway 287 N Route: The distance from Burleson to McKinney is about 91 miles. Therefore, the amount spent on gas would be (91 miles ÷ 25 miles/gallon) x $2.70 per gallon = $9.55.
Toll Charges
Commuters traveling from Burleson to McKinney may encounter several toll roads. Travel time and gas costs are typically higher for commuters that opt for toll roads when compared to those that don't. There are two toll roads that commuters may take:
- Highway 360 Toll: This toll road collects fares at the southern ends of the freeway. Commuters on this highway heading to McKinney or beyond must exit the road. The cost for travel on the toll is $1.77 per transaction.
- Sam Rayburn Tollway: The Sam Rayburn Tollway runs through several cities, including McKinney. The toll fee charged ranges from $1.10 to $2.05 per transaction. Pay-by-mail options are available if you fail to pay in cash or use a toll tag.
Recommended Route
While the I-35E N route is the shortest route, the high number of tolls makes it the more expensive of the two routes. Also, navigation through Dallas and Fort Worth could cause traffic congestion, further delaying trip times. On the other hand, while the Highway 287 N route has a more extended mileage and no toll fees, it isn't an entirely smooth ride as road construction and frequent traffic lights are common. With these factors considered, it is suggestible that commuters opt for I-35E N unless they don't want to incur toll costs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the cost of a road trip from Burleson to McKinney, Texas, depends on the route chosen, the number of toll charges, the gas cost and expected traffic congestion. The direct route via Interstate 35-E N might be the costliest one, but it can take the shortest amount of time. While the Highway 287 N route is free of toll fees, the scenic and winding roads might be a better choice for an enjoyable drive. Therefore, we recommend that commuters plan their route well in advance and review the relevant guides to make the best decision in line with their budget and time allocations.