The Cost of a Road Trip from Cape May, NJ to Colorado Springs, CO: How Gas Prices Affect the Route

When planning a road trip, the cost of gas plays a crucial role in determining your route and budget. A journey from Cape May, New Jersey to Colorado Springs, Colorado covers a distance of about 1,800 miles, and the price of gas varies from state to state. This article will breakdown the different possible routes and the cost of gas, to help you determine the best route for your budget.

Route Options

There are several options to choose from when planning a road trip from Cape May to Colorado Springs. We will consider the most popular routes below:

Route 1: I-70 through Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Kansas, and Colorado.

This is the most popular and direct route from Cape May to Colorado Springs. The total distance is approximately 1,800 miles, with tolls costing around $47.60. The cost of gas for the entire trip will be between $250 and $300, depending on the type of car and gas prices.

Route 2: I-76 and I-80 through Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, and Colorado.

This is an alternative route to I-70. It covers a distance of approximately 1,840 miles, with tolls costing around $51.10. The cost of gas for the entire trip will be between $260 and $320, depending on the type of car and gas prices.

Route 3: I-81 and I-40 through Virginia, Tennessee, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Colorado.

This route covers approximately 2,050 miles, with tolls costing around $42.70. The cost of gas for the entire trip will be between $280 and $340, depending on the type of car and gas prices.

Route 4: I-95 and I-85 through Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas, Oklahoma and Colorado.

This is the longest route, covering a distance of approximately 2,500 miles and tolls costing around $61.60. The cost of gas for the entire trip will be between $330 and $400, depending on the type of car and gas prices.

Factors that Affect Gas Prices

Gas prices vary by state, city, and even on a day-to-day basis. However, there are some factors that significantly affect the cost of gas along your route.

Distance

The further you drive, the more gas you need, and the more you will pay for it. Long road trips often require you to fill up multiple times, and each refill will increase your overall cost.

Speed Limits

Driving above the speed limit can lead to higher gas consumption, resulting in more stops to refuel. This means you will spend more on gas.

Gasoline Type

Different types of gasoline are sold at different prices. The most common type of gasoline is unleaded, but factors such as ethanol percentages and octane rating can affect the cost of gas.

State Taxes

Each state imposes its own tax on gasoline, which can lead to differences in gas prices along your route.

Recommended Route

The recommended route for this trip is the first option- I-70. It is the most popular and direct route, with fewer miles to cover, lower toll fees, and reasonable gas prices.

Conclusion

Driving from Cape May, New Jersey, to Colorado Springs, Colorado, is a long journey that requires careful planning and budgeting. Gas prices, distance, and toll fees play significant roles in determining the overall cost of the trip. The recommended route is I-70, which is the most popular and direct route, with lower toll fees and reasonable gas prices. Driving this route requires a budget of $250 to $300, depending on gas prices and the type of car.