Cost of a Road Trip from Dallas, Texas to Bentonville, Arkansas: Navigating Gas Prices and Routes

Planning a road trip can be exciting, especially when the destination is as charming as Bentonville, Arkansas. With its picturesque landscapes, vibrant community, and impressive art culture, Bentonville attracts many visitors from nearby cities like Dallas, Texas. However, assessing the cost of travel—particularly gas prices—becomes essential in ensuring that your vacation remains budget-friendly. This article explores the different routes between Dallas and Bentonville, estimates travel costs based on current gas prices, and provides valuable insights for road-trippers.

Overview of the Journey

The distance from Dallas to Bentonville is approximately 350 to 400 miles, depending on your chosen route. This journey can take anywhere from five to six hours if you drive without significant stops. To determine the actual cost of the trip, one must consider gas prices, the vehicle's fuel efficiency, and the appropriate route to take.

Current Gas Prices

As of October 2023, the average gas price in Texas is around $3.50 per gallon, while in Arkansas, it is slightly lower, averaging $3.30 per gallon. Given these prices, understanding your vehicle's fuel efficiency becomes crucial for an accurate cost estimate. For this article, we will represent two common scenarios: a fuel-efficient car that offers 30 miles per gallon (MPG) and a larger vehicle such as an SUV that averages 20 MPG.

Route Options

Route 1: I-30 E & US-71 N

Distance: Approximately 370 miles
Estimated Driving Time: 5 hours 30 minutes
Overview: This is the most direct route, taking you through Little Rock for a scenic view of the Arkansas River. The route primarily follows Interstate 30, which will lead you straight into Bentonville.

Gas Cost Calculation:
- For a car with 30 MPG:
  - Total gallons needed = 370 miles / 30 MPG = 12.33 gallons
  - Total gas cost = 12.33 gallons × $3.50 = $43.16
- For an SUV with 20 MPG:
  - Total gallons needed = 370 miles / 20 MPG = 18.5 gallons
  - Total gas cost = 18.5 gallons × $3.50 = $64.75

Route 2: I-35 N & I-40 E

Distance: Approximately 400 miles
Estimated Driving Time: 6 hours
Overview: This route starts on I-35 N, taking you through Oklahoma and connects to I-40 E. This route offers a more scenic and varied landscape but may add time to your journey.

Gas Cost Calculation:
- For a car with 30 MPG:
  - Total gallons needed = 400 miles / 30 MPG = 13.33 gallons
  - Total gas cost = 13.33 gallons × $3.50 = $46.66
- For an SUV with 20 MPG:
  - Total gallons needed = 400 miles / 20 MPG = 20 gallons
  - Total gas cost = 20 gallons × $3.50 = $70.00

Route 3: US-75 N & US-62 W

Distance: Approximately 360 miles
Estimated Driving Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
Overview: This option offers a more scenic route that travels north through scenic highways and smaller towns, ultimately connecting to US-62 W for about half the journey.

Gas Cost Calculation:
- For a car with 30 MPG:
  - Total gallons needed = 360 miles / 30 MPG = 12 gallons
  - Total gas cost = 12 gallons × $3.50 = $42.00
- For an SUV with 20 MPG:
  - Total gallons needed = 360 miles / 20 MPG = 18 gallons
  - Total gas cost = 18 gallons × $3.50 = $63.00

Highlighting Costs and Recommendations

Based on the calculations, here is a summary of the estimated gas costs for each route:

Route 1 (I-30 E & US-71 N):
- Car: $43.16
- SUV: $64.75
Route 2 (I-35 N & I-40 E):
- Car: $46.66
- SUV: $70.00
Route 3 (US-75 N & US-62 W):
- Car: $42.00
- SUV: $63.00

Best Route Recommendation

After analyzing the routes, Route 3 (US-75 N & US-62 W) emerges as the best option. This route not only has the lowest fuel cost but also boasts a shorter driving time. Driving through scenic landscapes adds allure to the journey, making it more enjoyable, especially if traveling with family or friends. With less overall fuel expense, you can allocate more of your budget to activities in Bentonville.

Conclusion

Embarking on a road trip from Dallas, Texas, to Bentonville, Arkansas, offers a blend of adventure and culture while being mindful of travel expenses. Choosing the best route can make all the difference in enjoying your trip. The selected route, US-75 N & US-62 W, reduces your gas expenditure to around $42 for a fuel-efficient car while ensuring that you get to explore captivating views along the way. Overall, the trip usually takes about 5 hours and 15 minutes, making it a delightful day trip or a weekend getaway. Safe travels!