The Cost of a Trip from Carrollton, TX to Seattle, WA with Current Gas Prices.
Traveling from Carrollton, Texas, to Seattle, Washington, can surely be a fun adventure. Nevertheless, before hitting the road, it is important to consider several factors that can influence the outcome of the trip, including the cost and distance of each possible route.
In this article, we will discuss the possible routes to take from Carrollton to Seattle, the estimated expenses along the way, and provide a recommendation for the best available route, given the current gas prices.
The Possible Routes
There are different routes to take when traveling between Carrollton and Seattle. Two main routes are worth considering, as they are popular among travelers.
Route 1: The Interstate-35 and Interstate-90 Route
The first possible route is by taking the Interstate-35 N/Interstate-90 W route, which is the quickest and most direct route available. Along the way, travelers would pass through the states of Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, and, finally, Washington.
The total distance is around 2,186 miles, and the estimated travel time would be around 32 hours, without including stops. This route usually has the least amount of tolls to pay.
Route 2: The Interstate-40 and Interstate-84 Route
The second possible route is by taking the Interstate-40 W/Interstate-84 W route. This route allows travelers to pass through Arizona, Nevada, Utah, and Oregon, before reaching Washington State.
The total distance is around 2,540 miles, and the estimated travel time would be around 37 hours, without including stops. It usually has a few more tolls to consider than the previous route.
The Estimated Expenses
Several expenses are worth estimating when planning a long trip like the one between Carrollton and Seattle. Some of the main expenses to consider are gas, food, lodging, and tolls.
Gas Expenses
A major consideration when it comes to traveling is the cost of gas. The total cost of gas can vary significantly depending on the fuel efficiency of the car and the current gas prices.
Assuming a fuel efficiency of around 25 miles per gallon (mpg) and a current national average gas price of $3.13 per gallon, the total cost of gas for Route 1 would be around $325, while the total cost for Route 2 would be around $375. Of course, prices may fluctuate, so it is important to check with current prices at the time of travel.
Food and Lodging Expenses
Another significant expense is food and lodging. Assuming an average of $50 per night spent on lodging and $30 per day per person spent on food, a one-way trip would incur around $390 in total expenses for food and lodging for one person traveling alone.
If traveling as a group of four people, the total cost of food and lodging would be around $1560 for a one-way trip.
Tolls Expenses
Both routes have several tolls to consider, which can add up to the overall expenses. Some tolls along Route 1 include Okla. Pikepass, K-Tag, FasTrak, and Northwest Parkway, which can add up to $10-$15.
Route 2 has more tolls to consider, such as Indiana Toll Pass, Illinois Tollway, Ohio Turnpike, Pennsylvania Turnpike, among others, which can add up to $100- $150.
The Best Route and Recommendations
Considering the estimated expenses and distance, Route 1 seems to be the best route available, as it has a shorter distance and fewer tolls. The option of taking Route 2 would only make sense if someone wants to visit the states in between, such as Arizona, Nevada, Utah, and Oregon.
It is important to remember that these are just estimates, and the final costs of expenses can vary significantly depending on the individual traveler. It is always helpful to research the specific route and surrounding areas, to find the most affordable lodging, and to avoid excessive spending.
Conclusion
When traveling from Carrollton, Texas, to Seattle, Washington, it is important to consider the different possible routes and estimated expenses to ensure an enjoyable trip. Based on the current gas prices, Route 1 seems to be the best and most affordable option available, given its shorter distance and fewer tolls.
A trip of around 32 hours and 2,186 miles can be exciting, with unique sights along the way. It is always recommended that travelers check current prices and the most updated route information to ensure the best possible experience.