Driving Cost from City of Watertown, New York to Denver, Colorado

A picture depicting a gas pump

The Cost of a Trip from Watertown, NY to Denver, CO: Exploring the Most Affordable Routes Based on Current Gas Prices

Introduction

Planning a road trip from the City of Watertown, New York to Denver, Colorado? As any seasoned traveler knows, it's essential to account for all expenses when budgeting for a trip. One of the most significant factors in the cost of a road trip is fuel consumption, which is directly impacted by gas prices and the chosen route. In this article, we will explore the different routes between Watertown and Denver, analyzing their respective distances and estimated fuel costs based on current gas prices. By the end, you'll have a clear understanding of the expenses involved and the most affordable route for your journey.

Route Options

Route 1: The Direct Route (I-80)

The first and most direct route from Watertown to Denver is to take Interstate 81 South until it intersects with Interstate 80 in Pennsylvania, and then continue west on I-80 all the way to Denver. This route spans approximately 1,660 miles and takes around 25 hours non-stop. Despite being the shortest in distance, its fuel consumption and cost may surprise you.

Route 2: The Scenic Route (I-90)

If you're looking to add a touch of scenic beauty to your road trip, consider taking the slightly longer path through Interstate 90. From Watertown, you'll head west on I-90, passing through Buffalo, Cleveland, Chicago, and several other iconic cities along the way before reaching Denver. This route extends for around 1,785 miles, and the travel time is approximately 28 hours without any stops. Keep in mind, however, that the added distance could impact the overall cost of the trip.

Route 3: The Southern Route (I-70)

Another popular option is to take the southern route by following Interstate 81 South until you reach Marietta, Ohio. From there, turn west onto Interstate 70, which will take you through Indianapolis, St. Louis, and Kansas City before eventually arriving in the Mile High City. The total distance for this route is approximately 1,825 miles, with a travel time of roughly 29 hours non-stop. Though slightly longer, this route might present interesting attractions along the way.

Route 4: The Northern Route (I-94 & I-29)

If you prefer a more northern trajectory, you can opt for this route. Start by following Interstate 81 South until Syracuse, New York, then head west on the New York State Thruway (Interstate 90) until you reach Erie, Pennsylvania. Continue westward on Interstate 90, passing through Cleveland and Chicago, until you reach Fargo, North Dakota. From Fargo, head southwest on Interstate 29, passing through South Dakota before finally connecting with Interstate 80 near Council Bluffs, Iowa, which will lead you into Denver. This route measures approximately 1,980 miles, and the expected travel time is around 31 hours non-stop.

Calculating Fuel Costs

Now that we have explored the various routes, let's analyze the estimated fuel costs based on the current gas prices. We will assume an average gas mileage of 25 miles per gallon for a typical family sedan.

Gas Prices

To provide an accurate cost estimation, let's consider the average gas prices (as of September 2021) along the different stretches of the journey:

  • Northeast Region:

    • New York: $3.19 per gallon
    • Pennsylvania: $3.15 per gallon

  • Midwest Region:

    • Ohio: $3.10 per gallon
    • Illinois: $3.22 per gallon
    • Indiana: $3.13 per gallon

  • Central/Southern Region:

    • Missouri: $3.09 per gallon
    • Kansas: $3.19 per gallon
    • Colorado: $3.25 per gallon

Total Fuel Consumption and Costs

Now, let's calculate the total fuel consumption and cost for each route, factoring in the gas prices mentioned above and the approximate mileage for each journey.

Route 1: The Direct Route (I-80)

  • Total Distance: 1,660 miles
  • Estimated fuel consumption: 66.4 gallons
  • Total Fuel Cost (at $3.25 per gallon): $215.60

Route 2: The Scenic Route (I-90)

  • Total Distance: 1,785 miles
  • Estimated fuel consumption: 71.4 gallons
  • Total Fuel Cost (at varying gas prices): $231.51 - $238.08

Route 3: The Southern Route (I-70)

  • Total Distance: 1,825 miles
  • Estimated fuel consumption: 73 gallons
  • Total Fuel Cost (at varying gas prices): $237.25 - $237.75

Route 4: The Northern Route (I-94 & I-29)

  • Total Distance: 1,980 miles
  • Estimated fuel consumption: 79.2 gallons
  • Total Fuel Cost (at varying gas prices): $257.52 - $257.76

After analyzing the different routes and their associated fuel costs, we recommend taking Route 1: The Direct Route (I-80) for those seeking the most affordable and time-efficient option. Although the estimated fuel cost for this route ($215.60 at current gas prices) is marginally higher than some of the longer alternatives, it has the shortest travel time and is the most direct path from Watertown to Denver. Plus, the road conditions along I-80 are excellent, making for a smooth and stress-free journey.

Conclusion

Embarking on a road trip from Watertown, NY, to Denver, CO requires meticulous planning, particularly when considering the cost of fuel. By evaluating the various routes available, we have determined that Route 1: The Direct Route (I-80) offers the most affordable choice based on current gas prices. With an estimated fuel cost of $215.60 and a distance of 1,660 miles, this route provides the most efficient path to your destination. Remember to keep in mind all the necessary expenses, such as accommodation and meals, to ensure a memorable and budget-friendly journey. Safe travels, and enjoy your time exploring the wonders awaiting you in Denver!