The Cost of a Trip Between Celina, Texas and Farmers Branch, Texas: Navigating Gas Prices

With gas prices fluctuating constantly, it can be tough to budget for a road trip between two different locations. If you're planning a trip between Celina, Texas, and Farmers Branch, Texas, there are many different routes you can take. Each route has its own pros and cons, including distance, tolls, and gas prices. In this article, we'll break down the different potential routes, their costs, and ultimately recommend the best option for your next trip.

Route 1: Taking TX-289 S and Dallas North Tollway

This route is the shortest distance between Celina and Farmers Branch at approximately 28.8 miles. Start by heading south on Preston Rd for approximately 5.5 miles toward Prosper. Then, take a right onto TX-289 S, a highway that will take you right into Dallas. After 7.6 miles, merge onto Dallas North Tollway. Continue on this road for 13.1 miles, and you'll reach your destination.

The downside to this route is that you'll hit toll roads that can be quite pricey, particularly when it comes to the Dallas North Tollway. At the time of writing, traveling on the Dallas North Tollway costs $1.66 per mile for two-axle vehicles. That means that the toll on this route alone (excluding the toll for possible extensions) will add up to $21.75.

Aside from the toll, gas prices vary along this route. Using a fuel cost calculator based on current national averages, the cost to drive between Celina and Farmers Branch on this route would be approximately $4.90.

Route 2: Using US-75 S and LBJ Freeway

Another route you could take, rather than using a toll, would be to head south on Preston Rd. Continue on Preston Rd for approximately 12.6 miles and take a left onto US-75 S. After around 7.6 miles, take the exit toward LBJ Freeway. Merge onto the freeway and continue for around 6.8 miles until you see the exit to turn onto Interstate 35 E.

Similar to Route 1, the gas prices along US-75 S and LBJ Freeway will fluctuate. However, the amount of traveling on toll roads will be much less. According to the same fuel cost calculator, driving between Celina and Farmers Branch using this route, you will spend approximately $5.55 in gas.

Route 3: Going Through Dallas on US-75 S and Woodall Rodgers Freeway

If you want to skip toll roads entirely, a slightly longer yet still relatively quick route could be traveling down US-75 S and Woodall Rodgers Freeway. Using this route, you'll spend approximately 31 miles. Start by heading south on Preston Rd for approximately 12.6 miles and take a left onto US-75 S. After 11.7 miles, use the exit toward Woodall Rodgers Freeway. Merge onto this freeway, and you'll travel for around 1.5 miles before seeing your destination in Farmers Branch.

In terms of fuel cost, this route isn't significantly different from Route 2. Using the same fuel cost calculator, the approximate cost to drive between Celina and Farmers Branch this way would cost around $5.75.

The Best Route

Ultimately, the best route is subjective and will depend on your priorities. If you're in a rush or urgently need to get somewhere, taking the first route using the Dallas North Tollway is the quickest. Yet, if avoiding tolls is your objective, Route 3 may be your best bet. Finally, if you're looking for a balance between speed and costs, Route 2 is a solid choice.

Based on our calculations, the difference in price between routes isn't too significant, so the decision should come down to how much you want to pay for tolls. If you anticipate traveling this route frequently, especially at peak travel times, it could be worth investing in a toll tag to save money over time.

Conclusion

When planning your trip between Celina and Farmers Branch, it's essential to consider both distance and cost factors. Great trips are the result of planning ahead to minimize costs without sacrificing the purpose of the trip. By using Route 2, or Woodall Rodgers Freeway to save on tolls while enjoying a more extended journey, you'll find it easier to stick to your budget while still getting to your destination on time. Get to driving and make sure to enjoy your adventure between both towns.