The Cost of a Road Trip from Dalhart, Texas to Wembley, Alberta: Navigating Routes and Gas Prices
Embarking on a road trip from Dalhart, Texas, to Wembley, Alberta, promises adventure and the chance to explore diverse landscapes. However, understanding the costs associated with such a journey, especially fuel expenses, is crucial for budgeting purposes. This article breaks down various routes, exploring distances, potential gas costs, and other expenses to help plan the perfect trip.
Overview of the Journey
The distance from Dalhart, Texas to Wembley, Alberta is approximately 1,083 miles (1,742 kilometers). This drive can take around 16-20 hours of travel time, excluding rest breaks, traffic conditions, and overnight stays. Considering current gas prices, which fluctuate but hover around $3.50 per gallon in Texas and can be close to $4.00 in Alberta, calculating fuel costs will be essential for understanding the overall expense of the trip.
Route Options
Traveling from Dalhart to Wembley can be accomplished via several primary routes, each varying in distance, travel time, and, subsequently, fuel costs. Here are the most common routes:
Route 1: U.S. Route 87 N / I-27 N / AB-2 N
Description: This route primarily follows U.S. Route 87 N to the intersection with I-27 N, passing through Amarillo before heading north into Canada.
Distance: Approximately 1,083 miles (1,742 kilometers)
Estimated Travel Time: 18 hours
Fuel Cost Calculation:
- Average fuel efficiency: 25 miles per gallon (MPG)
- Total gallons needed: 1,083 miles / 25 MPG = approximately 43.32 gallons
- Total gas cost: 43.32 gallons * $3.50 = approximately $151.62 (Texas) and around 43.32 gallons * $4.00 = approximately $173.28 (Alberta)
Route 2: U.S. Route 87 N / I-25 N
Description: This alternative route involves driving on U.S. Route 87 N, then transitioning to I-25 N. This path takes travelers through Keyes, Oklahoma, and into Colorado before heading north into Wyoming.
Distance: Approximately 1,150 miles (1,850 kilometers)
Estimated Travel Time: 19 hours
Fuel Cost Calculation:
- Total gallons needed: 1,150 miles / 25 MPG = approximately 46 gallons
- Total gas cost: 46 gallons * $3.50 = approximately $161.00 (Texas) and around 46 gallons * $4.00 = approximately $184.00 (Alberta)
Route 3: U.S. Route 87 N / I-40 W
Description: This scenic route travels on U.S. Route 87 N until you connect with I-40 W, passing through New Mexico before heading towards Arizona and then north into Alberta through the northern border.
Distance: Approximately 1,200 miles (1,930 kilometers)
Estimated Travel Time: 20 hours
Fuel Cost Calculation:
- Total gallons needed: 1,200 miles / 25 MPG = approximately 48 gallons
- Total gas cost: 48 gallons * $3.50 = approximately $168.00 (Texas) and around 48 gallons * $4.00 = approximately $192.00 (Alberta)
Summary of Costs and Recommendations
| Route Description | Distance (Miles) | Estimated Travel Time | Fuel Cost (Texas) | Fuel Cost (Alberta) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. Route 87 N / I-27 N | 1,083 | 18 hours | $151.62 | $173.28 |
| U.S. Route 87 N / I-25 N | 1,150 | 19 hours | $161.00 | $184.00 |
| U.S. Route 87 N / I-40 W | 1,200 | 20 hours | $168.00 | $192.00 |
Based on the analysis, the most cost-effective and time-efficient route remains U.S. Route 87 N / I-27 N. With a distance of 1,083 miles and a gas cost ranging from approximately $151.62 in Texas to $173.28 in Alberta, this route offers both the shortest travel time and the least expense in fuel costs.
Additional Expenses to Consider
While fuel costs represent a significant portion of the expenses on this trip, additional considerations include:
Food: Budget for meals and snacks. A typical meal per person might cost between $10 to $20. For a two-day trip, allocate at least $30 to $100 per person.
Accommodation: If the trip requires overnight stops, budget for hotel costs. Prices vary widely depending on location, with averages ranging from $70 to $150 per night.
Tolls: Some routes may include toll roads in certain states. Ensure to include an estimate for these in your overall budget.
Miscellaneous Costs: Factor in fees for activities, souvenirs, and other unexpected expenditures that may arise during the trip.
Conclusion
The journey from Dalhart, Texas, to Wembley, Alberta, is a beautiful route filled with diverse landscapes and various experiences. Opting for U.S. Route 87 N / I-27 N emerges as the most economical choice, both in terms of time and money. Travelers can expect to cover approximately 1,083 miles in about 18 hours, spending around $151.62 for fuel in Texas or $173.28 upon entering Canada. This trip offers not only a chance to reach a beautiful destination but also a memorable exploration of the regions in between.