The Cost of a Trip between Cape Coral, Florida and Riverside, Ohio: Navigating Gas Prices in 2021
Are you planning a road trip from Cape Coral, Florida to Riverside, Ohio? If so, you may be wondering how much the trip will cost with the current gas prices. With fluctuations in gas prices, it can be daunting to calculate the cost of a long-distance trip, but fear not! In this article, we will break down the cost of several different routes from Cape Coral to Riverside and recommend the best one based on current gas prices.
Possible Routes
When mapping out a road trip from one city to another, it is important to acknowledge the different routes that are available. For the Cape Coral to Riverside trip, there are a few options:
Route A: I-75 N and I-70 W
The first and most obvious route is to take I-75 N all the way to Cincinnati, then cut across Ohio on I-70 W towards Riverside. This route brings you through major cities including Tampa, Atlanta, Knoxville, Lexington, and Columbus. The total distance is approximately 980 miles, and the estimated travel time without stops is 15 hours and 20 minutes. This is the easiest and most straightforward route, but it may not be the most cost-effective.
Route B: I-95 N, I-77 N, and I-70 W
An alternative route for the trip that has a longer distance but may be cheaper due to lower gas prices is to take I-95 N up to Richmond, Virginia, then cut west on I-77 N through West Virginia, then connect with I-70 W towards Riverside in Columbus. The total distance for this route is approximately 1095 miles, and the estimated travel time without stops is 16 hours and 50 minutes.
Route C: I-10 E, I-75 N, and I-71 N
For the adventurous road tripper, you could choose to take the southernmost route from Florida that cuts across to I-75 N at Tampa, then goes through Cincinnati on I-71 N to Riverside. The total distance for this route is around 1200 miles, and the estimated travel time without stops is 18 hours and 15 minutes.
The Cost Breakdown
Now that we have an understanding of the different routes available from Cape Coral to Riverside, let's break down the costs based on current gas prices. As of July 2021, the national average for regular unleaded gas is $3.15 per gallon.
Route A: I-75 N and I-70 W
For the first route, starting in Cape Coral, we can estimate that it will take around 63 gallons of gas to make it to Riverside. This estimation is based on the average miles per gallon (MPG) of a family sedan, which is 24 MPG for highway driving. With 980 miles for this route, a car would need to refuel an average of 3 times, using around 21 gallons of gas each time.
Calculating the full cost for the trip, the average price of gas would total to around $198.45.
Route B: I-95 N, I-77 N, and I-70 W
For the second route, we can estimate that it would take around 75 gallons of gas. This estimation takes into account the longer distance of 1095 miles and the MPG of the family sedan at 24 MPG. This route would require an average of 4 refuels, using approximately 19 gallons of gas each time.
Calculating the full cost for the trip, the average price of gas would total to around $236.25.
Route C: I-10 E, I-75 N, and I-71 N
For the third route, we can estimate that it would take around 83 gallons of gas to complete the trip from Cape Coral to Riverside. With the estimated distance of 1200 miles and the average MPG of 24, this route would require 5 refuels, using approximately 17 gallons of gas each time.
Calculating the full cost for the trip, the average price of gas would total to around $261.45.
The Recommended Route
Based on current gas prices and distance, it is clear that Route A, I-75 N and I-70 W, is the most cost-effective route between Cape Coral and Riverside. Although it is the shortest distance, the route is still highly convenient and passes through several major cities along the way, offering plenty of opportunities to rest, eat, and explore.
Conclusion
In conclusion, taking a road trip from Cape Coral, Florida to Riverside, Ohio can be exciting and scenic, but it is important to factor in gas costs when budgeting for the trip. With a clear understanding of the different possible routes and current gas prices, it becomes easier to plan out the most cost-effective trip. Based on our analysis, Route A, I-75 N and I-70 W, is the most economical choice for the trip, offering both convenience and affordability. Don't forget to pack plenty of snacks, put on your favorite playlist, and enjoy the ride!