The Cost of a Road Trip from Chandler, Oklahoma to Detroit, Michigan

When planning a road trip, one of the main concerns is the cost. This article will explore the various routes and estimated expenses when traveling between Chandler, Oklahoma, and Detroit, Michigan.

The Routes

Travelers have three main routes to choose from when driving between Oklahoma and Michigan. These options include:

Route 1: I-44 E and I-70 E

The first option is to take I-44 E and I-70 E. This route takes travelers through Missouri and Illinois before reaching their destination in Michigan. The total distance is roughly 1,040 miles, and the estimated driving time is around 16 hours and 45 minutes.

Route 2: I-44 E and I-69 N

The second option is to travel on I-44 E until reaching St. Louis, Missouri, and then switch to I-70 E. After crossing into Indiana, switch to I-69 N and follow it until reaching Detroit. This route covers roughly the same distance as the first route, at 1,045 miles, but takes more time with an estimated total drive time of 17 hours and 15 minutes.

Route 3: I-40 E and I-65 N

The final option is to take I-40 E to Nashville, Tennessee, and then switch to I-65 N, which will take travelers directly to Detroit. This route is the longest of the three options, covering approximately 1,150 miles, but has a shorter drive time of around 16 hours and 45 minutes.

The Expenses

The cost of a road trip is largely dependent on the vehicle being used and the current gas prices. According to GasBuddy, as of September 2021, the average price of regular unleaded gasoline in Oklahoma is $2.89 per gallon, while in Michigan, it is $3.08 per gallon.

Using these prices as a reference, we can estimate the fuel costs for each route based on the average fuel economy of some of the most popular vehicles in America.

Route 1: I-44 E and I-70 E

Assuming an average distance of 1,040 miles, a vehicle with an average fuel economy of 25 miles per gallon would use roughly 42 gallons of gasoline on this route. At the average gas price in Oklahoma, this would cost approximately $121.38 for the entire trip. On the other hand, Michigan's average gas price would cost $129.36.

Route 2: I-44 E and I-69 N

Given the same average fuel economy of 25 miles per gallon, the estimated gas expenses for this route rise to around $121.95 at Oklahoma's gas price, and $129.94 at Michigan's gas price. With an extra travel time of about half an hour than the first route, this is not the most cost-effective choice of routes.

Route 3: I-40 E and I-65 N

This route covers approximately 1,150 miles, which increases the estimated gas expenses. At Oklahoma's gas price and a 25-miles-per-gallon fuel economy, the trip would cost approximately $139.86 in gas expenses. On the other hand, the cost of gas in Michigan would cost about $148.64.

Additional expenses will include toll fees, food, and lodgings, but these can vary based on the time of year and the traveler's budget. Keep in mind that there could be unexpected expenses such as vehicle maintenance, repairs or emergencies. These factors should always be considered in budgeting travel expenses.

The Recommendation

Based on the estimated distances and costs above, Route 1 (I-44 E to I-70 E) is the most time and cost-effective route. It allows drivers to avoid heavy traffic areas and include scenic drives in Missouri and Illinois. It also has the shortest estimated drive time of all the routes.

Conclusion

Taking a road trip from Chandler, Oklahoma, to Detroit, Michigan, can be an exciting and memorable experience. The most cost-effective and time-efficient route is I-44 E to I-70 E, which covers an estimated distance of 1040 miles and takes roughly 16 hours and 45 minutes to travel. Regardless of the chosen route, it is always essential to keep in mind the potential costs and budget accordingly for a smooth and enjoyable journey.