Driving Cost from Calgary, Alberta to Fredericksburg, Virginia

A picture depicting a gas pump

Planning a Long-Distance Road Trip: The Cost of a Trip between Calgary, Alberta and Fredericksburg, Virginia

Are you planning a long-distance road trip from Calgary, Alberta to Fredericksburg, Virginia? If you are, there are many things to consider, including the cost of the trip. With gas prices changing constantly, this article will analyze the cost and distance of possible routes from Calgary to Fredericksburg, and recommend the best route based on costs and road conditions.

Route Options

There are several route options for a road trip from Calgary to Fredericksburg. But before we get into specific routes, it is important to consider the distance between these two cities.

The distance between Calgary and Fredericksburg is approximately 3,900 km or 2,400 miles. Based on average driving speed of 100 km/hr and no specific stops, the trip would take about 39 hours of non-stop driving. This is a daunting task, which is why it is recommended that you break the trip down into 6-8 hour driving days.

Route Option 1: Trans-Canada Highway and I-90

The first route option is to take the Trans-Canada Highway and I-90. This route is the longest at approximately 4,930 km or 3,058 miles, and takes approximately 50 hours of non-stop driving. It starts in Calgary and takes you through Ontario, Quebec, and the East Coast, before entering the United States and ending in Fredericksburg.

Based on gas prices from September 2021 of approximately $1.36 CAD per liter, you would spend approximately $950 CAD (or $750 USD) on gas alone for this route. Additionally, tolls would cost between $60 and $70 USD.

Route Option 2: I-94

The second route option is to take I-94. This is the shortest route at approximately 3,860 km or 2,400 miles, and takes approximately 39 hours of non-stop driving. It starts in Calgary and takes you through Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, before ending in Chicago, Illinois. From there, you would take I-90 to Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Virginia, before ending in Fredericksburg.

Based on gas prices from September 2021 of approximately $1.36 CAD per liter, you would spend approximately $840 CAD (or $660 USD) on gas alone for this route. Additionally, tolls would cost between $55 and $65 USD.

Route Option 3: I-15 and I-70

The third route option is to take I-15 and I-70 through Utah and Colorado. This is the most mountainous route and therefore requires careful planning, especially during the winter months. It is approximately 4,300 km or 2,700 miles, and takes approximately 43 hours of non-stop driving. This route takes you through Montana, Idaho, Utah, Colorado, Kansas, and Missouri, before entering Virginia and ending in Fredericksburg.

Based on gas prices from September 2021 of approximately $1.36 CAD per liter, you would spend approximately $910 CAD (or $720 USD), on gas alone for this route. Additionally, tolls would cost between $70 and $80 USD.

By analyzing the cost and distance of each route, it is clear that I-94 is the best route option for those looking to keep their gas and toll costs down. It is also the shortest route, taking approximately 39 hours of non-stop driving.

While the Trans-Canada Highway and I-90 route offers beautiful views of the East Coast, it is much longer and would require additional planning and costs. The I-15 and I-70 route is also beautiful, but it requires careful planning and consideration of road conditions.

Conclusion

When planning a long-distance road trip from Calgary to Fredericksburg, it is important to consider the cost and distance of each route option. Based on gas prices and toll costs, the recommended route is to take I-94, which is approximately 3,860 km or 2,400 miles, and takes approximately 39 hours of non-stop driving. With careful planning and consideration of road conditions, this route can be completed in a timely and cost-effective manner.