The Cost of a Trip Between Cornelius, North Carolina and Calgary, Alberta: A Comparison Based on Current Gas Prices

When planning a trip from Cornelius, North Carolina to Calgary, Alberta, it's important to consider the cost of travel, especially when it comes to fuel expenses. With fluctuating gas prices, the cost of a road trip can vary significantly depending on the route taken and the efficiency of your vehicle. In this article, we'll explore the different possible routes for this journey, highlight the cost and distance of each one, and recommend the best route based on current gas prices.

Route Options

Route 1: The Direct Route via I-40 W and I-70 W

The most direct route from Cornelius, North Carolina to Calgary, Alberta involves taking I-40 W and I-70 W. This route covers a distance of approximately 2,200 miles and typically takes around 31 hours of non-stop driving.

Route 2: The Scenic Route via I-75 N and I-90 W

For those looking to take a more scenic route, I-75 N and I-90 W offers a picturesque journey through the Midwest and Rocky Mountains. This route spans approximately 2,400 miles and requires roughly 34 hours of continuous driving.

Route 3: The Southern Route via I-20 W and I-25 N

Alternatively, travelers can opt for the southern route via I-20 W and I-25 N, which passes through iconic cities such as Dallas, Denver, and Cheyenne. This route covers a distance of about 2,300 miles and takes approximately 32 hours to complete.

Cost Analysis

To determine the cost of each route, we'll consider the current average gas prices along each route, as well as the fuel efficiency of a typical midsize car (30 miles per gallon).

Route 1: The Direct Route

With an average gas price of $3.00 per gallon and a distance of 2,200 miles, the total fuel cost for the direct route would be approximately $220 (2,200 miles / 30 miles per gallon * $3.00 per gallon).

Route 2: The Scenic Route

For the scenic route, which spans 2,400 miles and assumes the same average gas price of $3.00 per gallon, the total fuel cost would be around $240 (2,400 miles / 30 miles per gallon * $3.00 per gallon).

Route 3: The Southern Route

Similarly, the southern route covering 2,300 miles at an average gas price of $3.00 per gallon would incur a fuel cost of approximately $230 (2,300 miles / 30 miles per gallon * $3.00 per gallon).

Recommendation

Based on current gas prices and the cost analysis, the direct route via I-40 W and I-70 W appears to be the most cost-effective option, with a total fuel cost of $220. In addition to being the most economical choice, this route also has the shortest distance and travel time, making it a practical and efficient route for drivers.

Conclusion

In conclusion, when planning a trip from Cornelius, North Carolina to Calgary, Alberta, it's important to consider the cost of travel, particularly fuel expenses. Based on the current average gas prices and the fuel efficiency of a midsize car, the direct route via I-40 W and I-70 W offers the most cost-effective and efficient option, with a total fuel cost of approximately $220. With a distance of about 2,200 miles and an estimated travel time of 31 hours, this route provides a practical and affordable means of reaching your destination.