The Cost of a Road Trip between Charleston and Mountain Grove, MO

Planning a road trip can be a lot of fun, but with gas prices constantly fluctuating, it can be difficult to estimate the cost. In this article, we will explore the different routes between Charleston and Mountain Grove, Missouri, and provide an estimate of the cost based on current gas prices.

Route Options

There are several different routes to take when traveling from Charleston to Mountain Grove. Depending on your starting point and desired destination, some routes may be more convenient or cost-effective than others. Let's take a look at the most common routes:

Route 1: Via Interstate 55 and 44

This route takes you through St. Louis and then south on Interstate 44. The distance is approximately 330 miles and takes around 5 and a half hours to drive. It's the most direct route and has plenty of rest stops and gas stations along the way.

Route 2: Via US-60

This route takes you through the Ozark National Scenic Riverways and is a more scenic drive. The distance is around 393 miles and takes around 7 hours to drive. There are fewer rest stops and gas stations along the way, so it's important to plan accordingly.

Route 3: Via Interstate 55 to US-60

This route takes you through St. Louis and then you take US-60 through the Ozark National Scenic Riverways. The distance is approximately 384 miles and takes around 6 and 3/4 hours to drive. This route combines the convenience of the interstate with the scenery of US-60.

Estimating the Cost

Now that we've looked at the different route options, let's take a look at the estimated cost of each route based on current gas prices. According to AAA's Daily Fuel Gauge Report, the average gas price in Missouri as of May 2021 is $2.79 per gallon.

Route 1: Via Interstate 55 and 44

The distance of this route is approximately 330 miles. Assuming a car gets an average of 25 miles per gallon, this route will take around 13.2 gallons of gas. At $2.79 per gallon, the total cost of gas for this route would be around $36.89.

Route 2: Via US-60

The distance of this route is approximately 393 miles. Assuming a car gets an average of 25 miles per gallon, this route will take around 15.72 gallons of gas. At $2.79 per gallon, the total cost of gas for this route would be around $43.89.

Route 3: Via Interstate 55 to US-60

The distance of this route is approximately 384 miles. Assuming a car gets an average of 25 miles per gallon, this route will take around 15.36 gallons of gas. At $2.79 per gallon, the total cost of gas for this route would be around $42.78.

Recommended Route

Based on the estimated cost and distance, the most recommended route is Route 1. It's the most direct and cost-effective option, with plenty of rest stops and gas stations along the way. However, if you have more time and are looking for a more scenic drive, Route 2 may be a better option for you.

Conclusion

Overall, the cost of a road trip between Charleston and Mountain Grove varies depending on the route you take and gas prices at the time. However, with a little planning and research, you can estimate the cost and choose the route that works best for your budget and needs. Safe travels!