The Cost of a Trip Between Cookeville, Tennessee and Worthington, Kentucky: Navigating Gas Prices

Planning a trip between Cookeville, Tennessee and Worthington, Kentucky not only involves considering the scenic routes and potential traffic, but also how much it will cost in gas. With fluctuating gas prices, it's important to calculate the approximate cost before hitting the road. In this article, we'll explore the different possible routes, highlight the cost and distance of each one, and ultimately recommend the best route for your trip.

Route Options

Route 1: I-40 W to I-24 W to I-65 N

The first route takes you from Cookeville, Tennessee through Nashville, and then northward to Worthington, Kentucky. This 275-mile journey is the most direct route and typically takes around 4.5 hours with no traffic. With an average fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon (mpg), a vehicle that gets 20 mpg will use approximately 13.75 gallons of gas for this trip.

Route 2: TN-56 N to TN-52 N to US-64 W to I-24 W to I-65 N

For a more scenic route, you can take TN-56 N to TN-52 N to US-64 W, which leads to I-24 W, and finally I-65 N to Worthington, Kentucky. This option adds approximately 20 miles to the trip, making it about 295 miles in total. The increased mileage will result in a higher cost for gas, so it's important to factor that into your budget.

Route 3: I-840 W to I-40 W to I-24 W to I-65 N

Another option is to take I-840 W from Cookeville to I-40 W, following the same route as Route 1 from there on. While I-840 offers a more rural and less congested drive, the total mileage is similar to Route 1, so the cost difference in gas may be negligible.

Calculating the Cost

To calculate the cost of gas for your trip, you'll need to know the average gas price and your vehicle's fuel efficiency. As of the time of writing, the average gas price in Tennessee and Kentucky is $2.70 per gallon. Keep in mind that gas prices can vary by location and change frequently, so it's a good idea to check for the most current rates before your trip.

Using the average gas price of $2.70 per gallon and a fuel efficiency of 25 mpg, we can estimate the cost of gas for each route. For Route 1, the 275-mile journey at 20 mpg will require 13.75 gallons of gas, costing approximately $37.13. For Route 2, the 295-mile trip will cost around $39.92 in gas. Route 3, being similar in distance to Route 1, will also amount to approximately $37.13 in gas.

Best Route Recommendation

Based on the cost of gas and the distance traveled, Route 1 is the most economical choice for the trip between Cookeville, Tennessee and Worthington, Kentucky. While Route 2 offers a more scenic drive, the additional 20 miles can result in a slightly higher gas cost, making Route 1 the more cost-effective option.

Conclusion

After considering the different route options and factoring in the cost of gas, Route 1 via I-40 W, I-24 W, and I-65 N emerges as the best route for the trip between Cookeville, Tennessee and Worthington, Kentucky. With an estimated cost of $37.13 in gas and approximately 275 miles to cover, this route provides the most economical and efficient journey. It's important to note that actual costs may vary based on fuel efficiency, gas prices, and any potential detours or stops along the way. Regardless of the specific route taken, proper planning and budgeting for gas expenses will ensure a smooth and stress-free road trip. Safe travels!