The Cost of a Trip Between Carlsbad, NM and St. Louis, MO During Rising Gas Prices
Gas prices have been rising rapidly in the United States, making it more expensive to travel by car. A road trip from Carlsbad, New Mexico, to St. Louis, Missouri, can be an exciting adventure, but it's important to consider the cost. In this article, we'll explore the different possible routes for this trip and highlight the cost and distance of each one. We'll also recommend the best route and provide a conclusion about the trip route and how long it took.
Route Options and Costs
There are several routes you can take from Carlsbad to St. Louis, and the cost and distance of each one can vary significantly. Here are the most popular options:
Route 1: I-40 and I-44
The first option is to take a popular route that includes Interstate 40 and Interstate 44. This route takes you through Oklahoma City and Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Springfield, Missouri. The distance from Carlsbad, New Mexico, to St. Louis, Missouri, via this route is approximately 1,200 miles, and the estimated driving time is around 17 hours. Here is the estimated cost breakdown for this route:
| Cost | Description |
|---|---|
| $120 | Gas (estimated 20 mpg, 3.00/gallon) |
| $34 | Tolls |
| $10 | Parking (estimated) |
| $50 | Food/souvenirs |
Total Cost: $214
Route 2: I-25 and I-70
Another option is to take Interstate 25 and Interstate 70. This route takes you through Denver, Colorado, and Kansas City, Missouri. The distance from Carlsbad, New Mexico, to St. Louis, Missouri, via this route is approximately 1,150 miles, and the estimated driving time is around 17 hours. Here is the estimated cost breakdown for this route:
| Cost | Description |
|---|---|
| $115 | Gas (estimated 20 mpg, 3.00/gallon) |
| $30 | Tolls |
| $10 | Parking (estimated) |
| $50 | Food/souvenirs |
Total Cost: $205
Route 3: I-44
The third option is to take Interstate 44 the entire way from Carlsbad, New Mexico, to St. Louis, Missouri. This route takes you through Amarillo and Oklahoma City. The distance from Carlsbad, New Mexico, to St. Louis, Missouri, via this route is approximately 1,200 miles, and the estimated driving time is around 18 hours. Here is the estimated cost breakdown for this route:
| Cost | Description |
|---|---|
| $120 | Gas (estimated 20 mpg, 3.00/gallon) |
| $50 | Tolls |
| $10 | Parking (estimated) |
| $50 | Food/souvenirs |
Total Cost: $230
Recommended Route
Based on the estimated cost and distance of each route, we recommend taking Route 2, which includes Interstate 25 and Interstate 70. This route is slightly shorter than the other two routes and also has a lower estimated cost. Moreover, this route avoids heavy traffic around Oklahoma City, which can significantly add to your travel time. However, you should always check for real-time traffic information and construction updates before you depart.
Conclusion
While gas prices have been increasing, taking a road trip can still be a fun and affordable way to travel. If you're planning a trip from Carlsbad, New Mexico, to St. Louis, Missouri, we recommend taking Route 2, which includes Interstate 25 and Interstate 70. This route is approximately 1,150 miles and can take around 17 hours, but be prepared for traffic and other unforeseen circumstances. Regardless of which route you take, make sure to follow the rules of the road and stay safe!