The Cost of a Trip from Columbus, Georgia to Denver, Colorado Based on Current Gas Prices
Route Options and Cost Analysis
When planning a trip from Columbus, Georgia to Denver, Colorado, one of the most important factors to consider is the cost of transportation. With fluctuating gas prices and various route options, it can be challenging to determine the most cost-effective way to travel between these two destinations. In this article, we will explore the different route options and highlight the cost and distance of each one to help you make an informed decision about the best route for your trip.
Route 1: I-85 N and I-70 W
The first route option for traveling from Columbus, Georgia to Denver, Colorado involves taking I-85 N, which will eventually merge onto I-75 N. From there, you will continue on I-75 N until reaching the Atlanta area. Upon reaching the Atlanta area, you will need to transition onto I-285 to bypass the city. Once past Atlanta, you will merge onto I-75 N and drive through Chattanooga, Tennessee before reaching Knoxville, Tennessee. In Knoxville, you will transition onto I-40 W and travel through Nashville, Tennessee. The last leg of the journey will consist of merging onto I-24 W and heading towards Paducah, Kentucky. From there, you will take I-57 N to connect to I-70 W, which will take you all the way to Denver, Colorado.
Cost Analysis:
- Total Distance: approximately 1,660 miles
- Estimated Cost of Gas (based on current average gas prices): $250-$300
Route 2: I-85 N and I-76 W
Another route option for the trip from Columbus, Georgia to Denver, Colorado involves taking I-85 N, which will again merge onto I-75 N. From there, you will continue on I-75 N until reaching the Atlanta area. Upon reaching the Atlanta area, you will need to transition onto I-285 to bypass the city. After exiting Atlanta, you will merge onto I-75 N and head towards Chattanooga, Tennessee. In Chattanooga, you will merge onto I-24 W and continue towards Nashville, Tennessee. From Nashville, you will transition onto I-40 W and drive through Memphis, Tennessee on to Little Rock, Arkansas. In Little Rock, you will merge onto I-30 W and continue towards Fort Smith, Arkansas. From Fort Smith, you will transition onto I-40 W and travel through Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Once in Oklahoma City, you will merge onto I-35 N and head towards Wichita, Kansas. In Wichita, you will then take I-135 N to connect to I-70 W, which will take you to Denver, Colorado.
Cost Analysis:
- Total Distance: approximately 1,660 miles
- Estimated Cost of Gas (based on current average gas prices): $250-$300
Route 3: I-85 N, I-65 N and I-70 W
The third route option for the trip from Columbus, Georgia to Denver, Colorado involves taking I-85 N, which will merge onto I-75 N. From there, you will continue on I-75 N until reaching the Atlanta area. Upon reaching the Atlanta area, you will need to transition onto I-285 to bypass the city. After leaving Atlanta, you will merge onto I-75 N and drive towards Chattanooga, Tennessee. In Chattanooga, you will merge onto I-24 W and continue towards Nashville, Tennessee. From Nashville, you will transition onto I-65 N and drive through Louisville, Kentucky on to Indianapolis, Indiana. In Indianapolis, you will merge onto I-74 W and head towards Champaign, Illinois. From Champaign, you will transition onto I-57 N and drive through Effingham, Illinois on to St. Louis, Missouri. Once in St. Louis, you will merge onto I-70 W, which will take you to Denver, Colorado.
Cost Analysis:
- Total Distance: approximately 1,720 miles
- Estimated Cost of Gas (based on current average gas prices): $260-$310
Recommended Route
After analyzing the three route options for traveling from Columbus, Georgia to Denver, Colorado, it is clear that Route 1 (I-85 N and I-70 W) and Route 2 (I-85 N and I-76 W) are the most cost-effective choices, as they have the same total distance and estimated cost of gas. However, Route 1 may be the preferred route due to the absence of major cities with potential traffic congestion, such as Atlanta, and a more direct path to Denver, Colorado. Route 2 involves passing through Little Rock, Arkansas and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, which may have heavier traffic. Therefore, Route 1 is recommended for those seeking a more direct and potentially less congested route.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is important to consider the cost of gas and the distance when planning a trip from Columbus, Georgia to Denver, Colorado. Based on current gas prices, the recommended route is Route 1, which involves taking I-85 N and I-70 W. This route spans approximately 1,660 miles and is estimated to cost between $250 and $300 in gas. Ultimately, choosing the most cost-effective and efficient route will help make your journey from Columbus, Georgia to Denver, Colorado as enjoyable and stress-free as possible. Safe travels!