The Cost of a Trip Between Columbia, Missouri and Saint Charles, Missouri: A Comparison of Routes Based on Current Gas Prices

Traveling between Columbia and Saint Charles in Missouri offers a range of route options, each with their own cost and distance considerations. With gas prices fluctuating, it's important for travelers to weigh their options to find a route that best suits their budget and timeline. In this article, we'll compare the cost and distance of three possible routes between Columbia and Saint Charles, and recommend the best route based on current gas prices.

Route 1: I-70 E

The first route we'll consider is taking I-70 E from Columbia to Saint Charles. This route covers a distance of approximately 125 miles and takes around 2 hours to complete under normal driving conditions. With current gas prices in Missouri averaging around $3.00 per gallon, a round trip on I-70 E would cost approximately $30 in fuel for a typical vehicle.

Route 2: MO-63 S to US-54 E, I-70 E

Another option for travelers is to take MO-63 S to US-54 E and then merge onto I-70 E towards Saint Charles. This route covers a distance of approximately 130 miles and takes around 2.5 hours to complete. With current gas prices, a round trip on this route would cost approximately $32 in fuel for a typical vehicle.

Route 3: MO-51 S to I-55 S, I-70 E

The third route we'll compare is taking MO-51 S to I-55 S and then following I-70 E to Saint Charles. This route covers a distance of approximately 145 miles and takes around 2.75 hours to complete. With current gas prices, a round trip on this route would cost approximately $36 in fuel for a typical vehicle.

Comparing Costs and Distances

After comparing the costs and distances of the three routes, it's clear that I-70 E is the most cost-effective option based on current gas prices. Despite being the shortest route in terms of distance, I-70 E also offers the quickest travel time, making it the ideal choice for those looking to minimize their fuel expenses and travel time.

Conclusion

In conclusion, based on current gas prices and considering the cost and distance of each route, taking I-70 E between Columbia and Saint Charles is the most cost-effective and efficient option for travelers. With a round trip cost of approximately $30 in fuel for a typical vehicle, and a travel time of around 2 hours, I-70 E offers the best value for those making the journey between these two Missouri cities.

The cost of the trip between Columbia and Saint Charles based on current gas prices is a key consideration for travelers, and by choosing the most cost-effective route, they can save money on fuel while enjoying a smooth and efficient journey.