The Cost of Driving From Dallas to Plymouth: A Gas Price Journey
When planning your next road trip, it’s essential to consider the cost of gas and any tolls you might encounter along the way. If you're heading from the vibrant city of Dallas, Texas, to the beautiful shores of Plymouth, Massachusetts, you’ve got a few route options to explore. Let’s break down these routes, including their respective distance, time, and cost, keeping in mind the current gas prices.
Route 1: The Direct Route via I-40 East
The most straightforward route to Plymouth takes you northeast along I-40. This scenic journey covers approximately 1,200 miles, making it a manageable drive. Expect to spend about 18 hours on the road, which can be broken into two days if you prefer not to rush.
To calculate the cost of gas, let’s consider current gas prices hovering around $3.50 per gallon. Assuming your vehicle gets around 25 miles per gallon, you’ll use about 48 gallons of gas for this trip. That adds up to about $168 for gas alone. In addition, don’t forget about tolls! For this route, expect to spend about $30 in tolls, bringing your total travel cost to around $198.
Route 2: The Northern Route via I-30 and I-81
Taking the northern route via I-30 and I-81, you’ll enjoy beautiful countryside views while driving through some charming towns. This route stretches about 1,350 miles and takes approximately 20 hours. Not too shabby!
With the same gas price of $3.50 per gallon and a fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, you will need about 54 gallons of gas, costing you roughly $189. Additionally, factor in around $40 for tolls along this route. Therefore, your overall expense will total approximately $229.
Route 3: The Southern Route via I-20
The southern route via I-20 offers a different experience, allowing you to take in the sights of Texas and Louisiana before heading up toward the northeast. This journey measures about 1,250 miles, with a travel time of about 19 hours.
Using the same assumptions for gas prices and vehicle efficiency, you can expect to use about 50 gallons of gas for the trip, which would cost about $175. Tolls on this route can vary, but you should plan for approximately $20 in toll expenses. Consequently, your total driving cost would be around $195.
Conclusion
Choosing the right route for your road trip from Dallas to Plymouth not only impacts your travel time but also your wallet. While the direct route via I-40 East is the quickest, the northern and southern routes offer unique scenery and experiences along the way. Based on current gas prices, your travel costs will range from about $198 to $229, depending on the route you choose.
So, buckle up, fill up your gas tank, and get ready for an adventure filled with beautiful landscapes and fun stops along the way! Happy travels!