The Cost of a Trip Between Castle Rock, Colorado and Superior, Colorado

Are you planning a trip between Castle Rock and Superior, two Colorado towns separated by approximately 35 miles? Before hitting the road, it's essential to calculate how much it's going to cost you in gas money. In this article, we'll explore the different route options, gas prices, and estimate the cost of your trip.

Route Options

There are two primary routes to consider when traveling from Castle Rock to Superior: I-25 N and E-470 and I-25 N and US-36 W. The first route includes the toll road E-470 and a more direct route, while the second route is toll-free and takes you through downtown Denver.

Both routes have their pros and cons. While taking the toll road might save you time, especially on weekdays with rush hour traffic, it can end up costing you more in tolls and gas money due to the longer distance. On the other hand, taking the free route could save you money on tolls, but you might spend more time in traffic, especially around Denver.

Cost Estimation

To calculate the approximate cost of your trip, you must consider gas prices, which vary frequently. For simplicity, let's assume the average gas price in Colorado as of April 2021 is $2.75 per gallon.

Via I-25 N and E-470

The distance via I-25 N and E-470 is approximately 36 miles. Since E-470 is a toll road, you must consider the toll amount, which is variable depending on the time of day and day of the week.

During peak hours, the toll amount for a two-axle vehicle ranges from $4.75 to $9.50, while off-peak hours range from $3.80 to $7.60. Assuming you travel during the off-peak hours, the toll cost can be estimated at $4.75, which is the lowest possible amount.

The average gas mileage of a passenger vehicle is around 25 miles per gallon. Therefore, for a 36-mile trip, you'll need approximately 1.44 gallons of gas, which at $2.75 per gallon, will cost around $3.96.

Adding up the toll and gas expense, the cost of the trip via I-25 N and E-470 will be approximately $8.71.

Via I-25 N and US-36 W

The distance via I-25 N and US-36 W is approximately 36 miles, the same as the previous route. The main difference is that this route doesn't include tolls.

Assuming a 25 mpg fuel economy, you'll use around 1.44 gallons of gas, costing approximately $3.96.

Adding up the gas expense, the cost of the trip via I-25 N and US-36 W will be around $3.96.

Recommended Route

While the I-25 N and E-470 route might seem shorter and more direct than going via US-36 W, the toll road cost makes it more expensive. Additionally, during off-peak hours, the time savings might not be significant enough to justify paying for the tolls.

Therefore, we recommend taking the I-25 N and US-36 W route. It's toll-free, and the travel time difference is only around 10 minutes compared to the other route.

Conclusion

Planning a trip between Castle Rock and Superior requires some consideration of route options and gas prices. With an estimated gas price of $2.75 per gallon, we recommend taking the I-25 N and US-36 W route, costing approximately $3.96 in gas money. After adding the time-saving benefits, the recommended route is the most cost-effective and efficient option to reach Superior from Castle Rock. With no tolls and only a 10-minute difference, you can enjoy a comfortable ride without breaking the bank.