Calculating the Cost of Driving from Dallas, Texas to Birmingham, Alabama: A Budget-Friendly Guide
Planning a road trip from Dallas to Birmingham? There’s plenty to consider when it comes to budgeting for your journey, especially with fuel prices fluctuating. In this post, we’ll explore a couple of different routes, the distances you'll cover, the expected travel times, and of course, the estimated costs based on current gas prices.
Route 1: I-20 East
Distance: Approximately 600 miles
Time: About 9 hours
Cost of Gas: Let's break it down! If we assume a gas price of around $3.50 per gallon and an average car that gets 25 miles per gallon, here’s what you'll pay:
- Total gallons needed: 600 miles / 25 miles per gallon = 24 gallons
- Total gas cost: 24 gallons x $3.50 = $84
Additionally, this route typically has no tolls, which is a bonus for budget travelers. Thus, your total cost for this route comes to $84.
Route 2: I-30 and I-20 East (Scenic Detour)
Distance: Roughly 650 miles
Time: Approximately 10 hours
Cost of Gas: We shall use the same calculations as before:
- Total gallons needed: 650 miles / 25 miles per gallon = 26 gallons
- Total gas cost: 26 gallons x $3.50 = $91
This route does include tolls along certain portions, which may add another $15 to your total expenses. Therefore, this scenic detour would total around $106 ($91 for gas + $15 for tolls).
Choosing the Right Route for Your Wallet
When deciding between these two routes, consider your priorities. If saving money is your top concern, Route 1’s total of $84 is hard to beat, and you won’t have to worry about tolls. However, if a little scenery and extra travel time are appealing, Route 2 brings you beautiful views, albeit at a higher cost of around $106.
Ultimately, both routes deliver their own unique experience and value while getting you from Dallas to Birmingham. Happy travels! If you have any favorites or tips for the drive, feel free to share them in the comments!