Driving Cost from Cincinnati, Ohio to Downtown Kansas City, Missouri

A picture depicting a gas pump

The Cost of a Trip Between Cincinnati, Ohio and Downtown Kansas City, Missouri

Many travelers may find themselves pondering the cost of a trip between Cincinnati, Ohio and Downtown Kansas City, Missouri. With ever-changing gas prices, it can be challenging to determine the most economical way to travel. In this article, we will explore the different possible routes and highlight the costs and distances associated with each one. By the end, you will have a recommended route that takes into consideration both cost and convenience.

Route 1: I-70 W

One of the most direct routes between Cincinnati and Kansas City is via Interstate 70 West (I-70 W). This route spans approximately 568 miles and takes around 9 hours to complete. Given its directness, it is often a popular choice for travelers. However, let's break down the cost.

Assuming an average gas price of $3.00 per gallon, a car that gets 25 miles per gallon (mpg), and a distance of 568 miles, we can calculate the cost of this trip. First, we divide the distance by the car's mpg: 568 miles ÷ 25 mpg = 22.72 gallons. Next, we multiply the number of gallons by the gas price: 22.72 gallons × $3.00/gallon = $68.16. Therefore, the estimated cost of gas for this route is approximately $68.16.

Route 2: I-71 S + I-65 S + I-64 W + I-44 W

Another possible route is to take Interstate 71 South (I-71 S) from Cincinnati to Louisville, Kentucky. From there, you can connect to Interstate 65 South (I-65 S), which will take you to Nashville, Tennessee. Following that, you can hop on Interstate 64 West (I-64 W) to St. Louis, Missouri, and finally, take Interstate 44 West (I-44 W) to reach Kansas City.

This alternative route covers a distance of approximately 614 miles and takes around 11 hours to complete. Now, let's calculate the cost using the same parameters as before.

With a car that gets 25 mpg, we divide 614 miles by 25 mpg, resulting in 24.56 gallons. Multiplying this by $3.00/gallon, we find that the estimated cost of gas for this route is approximately $73.68.

Route 3: I-74 W + I-55 S + I-64 W + I-44 W

For those who prefer a more scenic route, consider taking Interstate 74 West (I-74 W) from Cincinnati to Indianapolis, Indiana. From there, connect to Interstate 55 South (I-55 S) towards St. Louis. Once in St. Louis, you can follow the same path as Route 2, taking Interstate 64 West (I-64 W) and then Interstate 44 West (I-44 W) to Kansas City.

This alternative route spans about 641 miles and takes approximately 11 hours and 30 minutes to complete. Now let's calculate the cost.

Using the same assumptions as before, dividing 641 miles by 25 mpg gives us 25.64 gallons. Multiplying this by $3.00/gallon, the estimated cost of gas for Route 3 is approximately $76.92.

Considering both cost and distance, it is clear that Route 1, I-70 W, is the most economical choice. With an estimated gas cost of $68.16 and a distance of 568 miles, this route provides a reasonably direct and affordable option for travelers.

Conclusion

To summarize, after evaluating the various routes between Cincinnati, Ohio and Downtown Kansas City, Missouri, Route 1, via I-70 W, is the recommended choice. With an estimated cost of approximately $68.16 and a distance of 568 miles, this route strikes the right balance between cost-effectiveness and convenience.

When embarking on this trip, it is crucial to keep in mind that travel times may vary due to traffic, weather conditions, and personal driving preferences. However, based on average travel times, you should expect the journey to take around 9 hours.

Now that you have all the information at hand, you can plan your trip confidently, knowing the estimated cost and duration of your journey from Cincinnati to Downtown Kansas City. Safe travels!