The Cost of a Road Trip from Calgary, Alberta to McMinnville, Tennessee in Today's Gas Prices
Taking a road trip is a thrilling way to explore new places, and with summer approaching, there's never been a better time to hit the open road. But before you pack your bags and start your engine, it's important to plan your route and budget your expenses. In this article, we'll break down the cost of a road trip from Calgary, Alberta to McMinnville, Tennessee, factoring in gas prices and the different routes available to you.
Possible Routes
When traveling from Calgary, Alberta to McMinnville, Tennessee, there are several different routes you can take. Each route has its pros and cons when it comes to distance, time, and cost. Here are the three most common routes for this trip:
Route 1: Trans-Canada Highway and I-90
This route takes you from Calgary, Alberta, through British Columbia, and down to Seattle, Washington, before heading east on I-90 towards Tennessee. The total distance on this route is 3878 kilometers (2410 miles), and it takes approximately 39 hours to drive.
Route 2: I-15 and I-80
This route takes you from Calgary, Alberta, down to Montana, and through Wyoming before heading east on I-80 towards Tennessee. The total distance on this route is 4046 kilometers (2513 miles), and it takes approximately 40 hours to drive.
Route 3: I-94 and I-65
This route takes you from Calgary, Alberta, down to North Dakota, and through Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Illinois before heading south on I-65 towards Tennessee. The total distance on this route is 4162 kilometers (2583 miles), and it takes approximately 42 hours to drive.
The Cost Analysis
To determine the cost of each route, we first need to calculate the total distance of the trip and then estimate the amount of gas you'll need to make the journey. For our analysis, we'll assume we're driving a car that gets 25 miles per gallon, and we'll use the average gas prices in the United States and Canada as of May 2021.
Route 1: Trans-Canada Highway and I-90
The total distance for this route is 2410 miles, and at 25 miles per gallon, we'll need 96.4 gallons of gas for the trip. The average gas price in Canada is currently $1.32 CAD per liter, which translates to approximately $4.98 USD per gallon. In the United States, the average gas price is currently $3.05 USD per gallon.
If we assume that we'll fill up our tank entirely in Canada before crossing the border, we'll need to budget approximately $479.58 USD for gas to make the trip down to Seattle. Once we're in the United States, we'll need another 7.68 tanks of gas, which will cost approximately $223.93 USD based on the current gas prices. In total, the cost of gas for this route will be approximately $703.51 USD.
Route 2: I-15 and I-80
The total distance for this route is 2513 miles, and at 25 miles per gallon, we'll need 100.52 gallons of gas for the trip. The average gas price in Canada and the United States is the same as in Route 1.
If we assume we'll fill up our tank entirely in Canada before crossing the border, we'll need to budget approximately $502.05 USD for gas to make the trip down to Montana. Once we're in the United States, we'll need another 8.06 tanks of gas, which will cost approximately $233.39 USD based on the current gas prices. In total, the cost of gas for this route will be approximately $735.44 USD.
Route 3: I-94 and I-65
The total distance for this route is 2583 miles, and at 25 miles per gallon, we'll need 103.32 gallons of gas for the trip. The average gas price in Canada and the United States is the same as in Route 1 and Route 2.
Assuming we'll fill up our tank entirely in Canada before crossing the border, we'll need to budget approximately $514.31 USD for gas to make the trip down to North Dakota. Once we're in the United States, we'll need another 8.26 tanks of gas, which will cost approximately $238.07 USD based on the current gas prices. In total, the cost of gas for this route will be approximately $752.38 USD.
Recommendations
When it comes to the cost of gas, Route 1 is the most affordable option, while Route 3 is the most expensive. However, it's worth noting that the time and distance of each route may also impact your decision.
If you're looking for the shortest driving time, Route 1 is the fastest, but if you're looking to see more of the United States and Canada, Route 3 may be the best choice. Likewise, if you want to avoid toll roads, Route 1 and Route 3 are toll-free, while Route 2 includes several tolls through Wyoming and Illinois.
Ultimately, the best route for you will depend on your priorities and preferences. It's important to take all factors into account, including gas prices, distance, time, and tolls, when planning your road trip.
Conclusion
A road trip from Calgary, Alberta to McMinnville, Tennessee, is a memorable adventure that can take you through some of the most beautiful landscapes in North America. However, it's important to budget your expenses, especially when it comes to gas prices.
Based on our analysis, Route 1 is the most affordable choice, while Route 3 is the most expensive. Ultimately, the best route for you will depend on your priorities and preferences. Whichever route you choose, be sure to enjoy the journey and take in all the sights along the way. Safe travels!