The Cost of a Road Trip from Burnet, Texas to Tucson, Arizona

If you're planning a road trip from Burnet, Texas to Tucson, Arizona, one of the most important things you'll need to consider is how much it's going to cost you. The cost of the trip will depend on several factors, including the distance you'll be driving, the type of vehicle you'll be driving, and the current price of gas. In this article, we'll break down the cost of a trip from Burnet to Tucson by looking at the different possible routes and highlighting the cost of each one.

Route 1: Via I-10 West

The most direct route from Burnet to Tucson is via I-10 West, which takes you through San Antonio, El Paso, and Phoenix. The distance between Burnet and Tucson via this route is approximately 1,070 miles, and it takes around 16 hours to drive without stops. The cost of gas will depend on the fuel efficiency of your vehicle and the current price of gas. As of August 2021, the average price of gas in Texas is $2.76 per gallon, while in Arizona, it's $3.31 per gallon.

Assuming you're driving a car that gets an average of 25 miles per gallon, you'll need around 43 gallons of gas to make the trip one way. This means you'll spend approximately $119 on gas in Texas and $142 in Arizona, for a total of $261 on gas for the entire trip.

In addition to the cost of gas, you'll need to factor in the cost of tolls and any other expenses, such as food, lodging, and entertainment. Tolls may vary depending on the specific route you take, but it's worth noting that there are several toll roads along I-10, including the Harris County Toll Road in Houston and the Central Texas Turnpike System (CTTP) in Austin.

Route 2: Via I-20 West

Another possible route you could take is via I-20 West, which takes you through Abilene, Midland, and Odessa before joining up with I-10 near El Paso. The distance between Burnet and Tucson via this route is approximately 1,306 miles, and it takes around 19 hours to drive without stops.

While the distance of this route is greater than Route 1, the cost of gas may be lower since it takes you through smaller towns and cities where gas prices may be cheaper. Assuming you're driving a car that gets an average of 25 miles per gallon, you'll need around 52 gallons of gas to make the trip one way. This means you'll spend approximately $143 on gas in Texas and $168 in Arizona, for a total of $311 on gas for the entire trip.

Like Route 1, you'll also need to factor in the cost of tolls and other expenses. There are several toll roads along I-20, including the North Texas Tollway Authority in Fort Worth and the West Texas toll roads, which can add up quickly.

Route 3: Via US-183 and I-10 West

A third possible route you could take is via US-183 and I-10 West, which takes you through small towns and cities like Lampasas, Mason, and Junction before joining up with I-10 in Sonora. The distance between Burnet and Tucson via this route is approximately 1,128 miles, and it takes around 17 hours to drive without stops.

Since this route takes you through smaller towns and cities, it may be a more scenic drive, but it may also be more expensive in terms of gas prices. Assuming you're driving a car that gets an average of 25 miles per gallon, you'll need around 45 gallons of gas to make the trip one way. This means you'll spend approximately $124 on gas in Texas and $147 in Arizona, for a total of $271 on gas for the entire trip.

As with the other routes, you'll also need to factor in the cost of tolls and other expenses.

The Best Route: Route 1

Based on the analysis above, it appears that Route 1 via I-10 West is the most cost-effective route for a road trip from Burnet to Tucson. While the distance is shorter than Route 2, the cost of gas is lower, and there are fewer tolls to contend with. Additionally, since I-10 is a major highway, there are likely to be more rest stops and amenities along the way.

Conclusion

In summary, the cost of a road trip from Burnet, Texas to Tucson, Arizona will depend on several factors, including the distance you'll be driving, the type of vehicle you'll be driving, and the current price of gas. Assuming you take Route 1 via I-10 West, you'll spend approximately $261 on gas for the entire trip. However, it's important to remember that there may be additional costs to consider, such as tolls and other expenses. Ultimately, the best route for you will depend on your individual preferences and circumstances.