Driving Cost from Chesterfield, Missouri to Meridianville, Alabama

A picture depicting a gas pump

The Cost of a Trip Between Chesterfield, Missouri and Meridianville, Alabama

Introduction

Traveling between Chesterfield, Missouri, and Meridianville, Alabama, can be an exciting adventure. However, before hitting the road, it's crucial to consider the cost of the trip, especially with fluctuating gas prices. In this article, we will delve into the different possible routes and highlight the cost and distance of each one, helping you make an informed decision about your journey.

Possible Routes and Costs

Route 1: I-64 E and I-65 S

One of the most direct routes between Chesterfield and Meridianville is to take Interstate 64 East and subsequently hop onto Interstate 65 South. This route spans approximately 444 miles and can be completed in around 7 hours and 15 minutes under normal road conditions.

To calculate the cost of this trip, we need to consider the average gas prices along this route. According to recent data, the average gas price in Missouri is $3.09 per gallon, while in Alabama, it stands at $2.87 per gallon. Based on a mid-sized car with an average fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, we can estimate the total cost for the journey.

Let's assume that the car's fuel tank capacity is 15 gallons. Hence, for this entire trip, which is approximately 444 miles, we would need to make two refueling stops.

The calculation for the first leg of the journey (Chesterfield to the Missouri/Tennessee border) would be:

  • Distance: 137 miles
  • Gallons needed: 137 miles ÷ 25 miles per gallon ≈ 5.48 gallons
  • Cost: 5.48 gallons * $3.09 per gallon ≈ $16.94

For the second leg of the journey (Tennessee border to Meridianville), we can apply the same calculation with the respective gas price in Alabama:

  • Distance: 307 miles
  • Gallons needed: 307 miles ÷ 25 miles per gallon ≈ 12.28 gallons
  • Cost: 12.28 gallons * $2.87 per gallon ≈ $35.27

So, the total estimated cost for this route would be approximately $52.21.

Route 2: I-70 E and I-65 S

Another possible route is to travel on Interstate 70 East until reaching Interstate 65 South. This option covers a distance of around 486 miles and may take approximately 8 hours to complete.

Using similar assumptions as in the previous example, let's calculate the cost. For this route, we would need to make three refueling stops.

The first leg of the journey (Chesterfield to the Missouri/Illinois border) would cover:

  • Distance: 32 miles
  • Gallons needed: 32 miles ÷ 25 miles per gallon ≈ 1.28 gallons
  • Cost: 1.28 gallons * $3.09 per gallon ≈ $3.95

Next, the journey from the Illinois border to the Kentucky border:

  • Distance: 242 miles
  • Gallons needed: 242 miles ÷ 25 miles per gallon ≈ 9.68 gallons
  • Cost: 9.68 gallons * $3.09 per gallon ≈ $29.93

For the third leg of the trip (Kentucky border to Meridianville), we can use the gas price in Alabama:

  • Distance: 212 miles
  • Gallons needed: 212 miles ÷ 25 miles per gallon ≈ 8.48 gallons
  • Cost: 8.48 gallons * $2.87 per gallon ≈ $24.34

The total estimated cost for Route 2 would be approximately $58.22.

Route 3: Highway 50 E and I-65 S

A more scenic route that adventurous travelers may opt for is Highway 50 East before transitioning onto Interstate 65 South. This path covers a distance of roughly 546 miles and takes around 9 hours and 15 minutes.

To estimate the cost for this route, we will employ the same assumptions as before, requiring three refueling stops.

The first leg of the journey (Chesterfield to the Missouri/Illinois border):

  • Distance: 32 miles
  • Gallons needed: 32 miles ÷ 25 miles per gallon ≈ 1.28 gallons
  • Cost: 1.28 gallons * $3.09 per gallon ≈ $3.95

The second leg (Illinois border to the Kentucky border):

  • Distance: 448 miles
  • Gallons needed: 448 miles ÷ 25 miles per gallon ≈ 17.92 gallons
  • Cost: 17.92 gallons * $3.09 per gallon ≈ $55.39

The final leg (Kentucky border to Meridianville) using the gas price in Alabama:

  • Distance: 66 miles
  • Gallons needed: 66 miles ÷ 25 miles per gallon ≈ 2.64 gallons
  • Cost: 2.64 gallons * $2.87 per gallon ≈ $7.58

Therefore, the total estimated cost for Route 3 would be approximately $67.92.

After analyzing the different routes, it is recommended to take Route 1 (I-64 E and I-65 S) when traveling between Chesterfield, Missouri, and Meridianville, Alabama. This route is not only the shortest but also the most cost-effective, with an estimated cost of approximately $52.21.

Conclusion

Traveling from Chesterfield, Missouri, to Meridianville, Alabama, requires careful consideration of the cost, particularly when gas prices are taken into account. After examining the three possible routes, we recommend taking Route 1: I-64 E and I-65 S. This option offers the shortest distance and the most economical route, with an estimated cost of approximately $52.21. Remember, these calculations are based on average gas prices and fuel efficiency; fluctuating gas prices and variations in vehicle fuel efficiency may affect the final cost. So, buckle up, plan your trip wisely, and enjoy the journey!