The Cost of a Road Trip Between Calgary and Edmonton: A Guide Based on Current Gas Prices

Embarking on a road trip from Calgary to Edmonton can be an exciting adventure, but it's essential to have a plan in mind before starting. A well-planned route can make all the difference, especially when it comes to the cost of gas.

To help you map out your journey, we've put together a guide to the cost of a road trip from Calgary to Edmonton based on current gas prices, including available routes and the approximate cost associated with each.

Route Options

There are three main routes to Edmonton from Calgary: Highway 2, Highway 21 and the Cowboy Trail.

1. Highway 2

The quickest and most popular route of the three is Highway 2. This route runs directly between the two cities and provides easy access to popular tourist destinations like Red Deer and Leduc.

The distance between Calgary and Edmonton via Highway 2 is approximately 298 km, and the average price for gas in the area is around $1.15 per litre. Assuming a car average of 10 litres per 100 km, the total fuel cost for a one-way trip via Highway 2 will be around $34.

2. Highway 21

Another travel option available from Calgary to Edmonton is Highway 21. This route is not as congested as Highway 2, and it provides a more scenic view of the province.

The total distance from Calgary to Edmonton through Highway 21 is around 311 km. The cost of gas is slightly higher along this route, with the average price being $1.17 per litre. The fuel cost for a one-way trip through Highway 21 is around $36.50.

3. Cowboy Trail

A more scenic option is the Cowboy Trail, which is the longest of the three routes from Calgary to Edmonton. En-route, you'll pass through popular destinations such as Longview, High River, and Black Diamond.

The Cowboy Trail is approximately 392 km long, and the average price of gas in the area is $1.16 per litre. Assuming the same car average of 10 litres per 100 km, the total fuel cost for a one-way trip via this route will be around $45.

Factors Affecting Fuel Cost

Before embarking on your trip, it is essential to know that various factors can impact your fuel cost, including weather, road conditions, and vehicle type. Heavier vehicles requiring more power to run tend to consume more fuel than lighter ones. Similarly, roads that require the driver to accelerate or slow down frequently result in higher fuel consumption.

Some cars are considerably fuel-efficient and have lower fuel costs. If fuel economy is a significant factor for you, consider renting or borrowing an eco-friendly vehicle to help save on gas.

Tips for Saving on Fuel Costs

If you want to save on fuel costs as you travel from Calgary to Edmonton, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

Plan Your Route: Mapping out your route and knowing the distance between destinations can help you save gas by avoiding extra stops and long detours.
Drive at a Consistent Speed: Accelerating and braking frequently can result in higher fuel consumption. Drive at a consistent speed, and you'll save on fuel costs.
Use Cruise Control: When driving on a highway or long-distance, using cruise control can help maintain a consistent speed and save on fuel costs.
Keep Your Car Well-Maintained: Regular maintenance, such as oil changes and air filter replacements, can improve your car's fuel efficiency and save on gas costs.

Conclusion

Overall, the cost of a road trip from Calgary to Edmonton varies depending on the route you choose, the average price of gas in the area, and your driving habits. However, if you plan your route carefully, drive at a consistent speed and maintain your car correctly, you can save on fuel costs regardless of what route you take.

If time is of the essence, taking Highway 2 is the best option as it is the shortest and quickest route between the two cities. If you prefer a more scenic route, the Cowboy Trail offers stunning scenery, though it is slightly longer and, therefore, costlier. Meanwhile, Highway 21 is an excellent compromise between Highway 2 and the Cowboy Trail.

In all, the drive from Calgary to Edmonton takes approximately three and a half hours, regardless of the route you choose. Regardless of the route you take, you'll experience stunning views of Alberta and all the beauty this region has to offer.