Driving Cost from Calera, Alabama to Oxford, Alabama

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The Cost of a Road Trip from Calera to Oxford, Alabama

If you're planning a road trip between Calera and Oxford, Alabama, you might be wondering how much it's going to cost you. Gas prices are constantly changing, so it's important to budget wisely. In this article, we'll explore the different possible routes between Calera and Oxford and highlight the distance and cost of each one. We'll also recommend the best route based on affordability and convenience.

Possible Routes

There are several possible routes you could take between Calera and Oxford. Here are three of the most common:

Route 1: I-65 N and US-78 E (84 miles)

This route takes you up I-65 North and then over to Oxford on US-78 East. It's the most direct route, but it can be busy during rush hour:

  • Calera to Birmingham: 31 miles (I-65 N)
  • Birmingham to Moody: 21 miles (I-20/59 E and I-459 N)
  • Moody to Oxford: 32 miles (US-78 E)

Route 2: AL-25 N and I-20 E (95 miles)

This route takes you up towards Birmingham on AL-25 and then over to Oxford on I-20 East. It's longer than Route 1, but it can be less congested:

  • Calera to Columbiana: 13 miles (AL-25 N)
  • Columbiana to Birmingham: 30 miles (AL-25 N and US-31 N)
  • Birmingham to Oxford: 52 miles (I-20 E)

Route 3: Secondary Roads (90 miles)

This route avoids the interstate altogether, taking you through smaller towns and countryside. It's a peaceful and scenic route, but it can be slower:

  • Calera to Columbiana: 13 miles (AL-25 N)
  • Columbiana to Childersburg: 26 miles (AL-70 and AL-76)
  • Childersburg to Talladega: 22 miles (AL-21)
  • Talladega to Oxford: 29 miles (AL-77 and US-78)

The Cost of Each Route

To calculate the cost of each route, we'll assume that your car gets 25 miles per gallon and that the average gas price is $2.50 per gallon. We'll also factor in any tolls you might need to pay.

Route 1: I-65 N and US-78 E ($12.48)

The total distance for this route is 84 miles. At 25 miles per gallon, you'll need 3.36 gallons of gas. At $2.50 per gallon, that's $8.40. You'll also need to pay a toll of $1.08 to get through the Birmingham Expressway. In total, this route will cost you $12.48.

Route 2: AL-25 N and I-20 E ($14.85)

The total distance for this route is 95 miles. At 25 miles per gallon, you'll need 3.8 gallons of gas. At $2.50 per gallon, that's $9.50. You'll also need to pay $5.35 in tolls to get through the Barber Motorsports Park toll plaza and the Talladega Superspeedway toll plaza. In total, this route will cost you $14.85.

Route 3: Secondary Roads ($12.24)

The total distance for this route is 90 miles. At 25 miles per gallon, you'll need 3.6 gallons of gas. At $2.50 per gallon, that's $9. You won't need to pay any tolls for this route. In total, this route will cost you $12.24.

Our Recommendation

Based on the cost and convenience, we recommend taking Route 1: I-65 N and US-78 E. It's the most direct route, and even with the toll, it's still the most affordable. If you're looking for a scenic route, Route 3 is also a good option, but you will need to factor in extra time.

Conclusion

In summary, the cost of a trip between Calera and Oxford will vary based on the route you choose. As of the time of writing, Route 1: I-65 N and US-78 E is the most affordable option, costing $12.48 in gas and tolls. If you're looking for a scenic route, Route 3 is a good option, but it will cost slightly more at $12.24. No matter which route you choose, the drive should take you around 1.5 to 2 hours depending on traffic and stops along the way.