Driving Cost from Dallas, Texas to Van, Texas

A picture depicting a gas pump

Budgeting Your Journey: The Cost of a Trip from Dallas to Van, Texas

Planning a road trip can be an exciting prospect, but it's essential to budget effectively to ensure a smooth ride. If you're considering a journey from Dallas, Texas to Van, Texas, understanding the costs associated with the trip is crucial. This article dives into the different routes you can take, the gas prices you should factor in, and provides recommendations for making the most of your trip without breaking the bank.

Overview of the Trip

Located approximately 90 miles east of Dallas, Van offers a tranquil escape from the bustling city life. With beautiful landscapes, historical sites, and outdoor activities, it makes for a fantastic day trip or weekend getaway. Understanding the costs involved is a key step in planning your visit.

Current Gas Prices

As of October 2023, the average price for regular unleaded gasoline in Texas hovers around $3.25 per gallon. Pricing may vary slightly depending on location and gas stations, so checking local fuel prices before setting out is advisable. For the purpose of this trip estimation, we will use this average gas price figure.

Vehicle Fuel Efficiency

The next factor in calculating the cost of your trip is your vehicle’s fuel efficiency. We'll consider several vehicle types for our calculations, using the following average mpg ratings for each:

  • Compact Car: 30 mpg
  • Midsize Sedan: 25 mpg
  • SUV: 20 mpg
  • Pickup Truck: 15 mpg

Trip Distance and Routes

There are multiple routes you can take from Dallas to Van. Here are the three primary routes, broken down by distance and estimated travel time.

Route 1: I-20 E Route

  • Distance: Approximately 90 miles
  • Estimated Travel Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Directions:

  1. Start on I-30 E from Dallas, continuing onto I-20 E.
  2. Follow I-20 E until you reach the exit for Highway 64 E.
  3. Take Highway 64 E directly to Van.

Cost of Gas: Using a compact car as an example, the gas cost can be calculated as follows:

  • Total gallons needed: 90 miles / 30 mpg = 3 gallons
  • Total cost: 3 gallons x $3.25/gallon = $9.75

For other vehicle types, the costs would be:

  • Midsize Sedan (25 mpg): $12.00
  • SUV (20 mpg): $14.63
  • Pickup Truck (15 mpg): $18.75

Route 2: US-80 E Route

  • Distance: Approximately 95 miles
  • Estimated Travel Time: 1 hour 45 minutes

Directions:

  1. Start on US-75 N from Dallas.
  2. Transition to US-80 E and continue until you reach Highway 64 E.
  3. Take Highway 64 E to Van.

Cost of Gas: Calculating the cost again using a compact car:

  • Total gallons needed: 95 miles / 30 mpg = 3.17 gallons
  • Total cost: 3.17 gallons x $3.25/gallon = $10.32

Costs for other vehicle types:

  • Midsize Sedan (25 mpg): $12.60
  • SUV (20 mpg): $15.32
  • Pickup Truck (15 mpg): $19.00

Route 3: TX-19 N Route

  • Distance: Approximately 105 miles
  • Estimated Travel Time: 2 hours

Directions:

  1. Start by taking I-30 E from Dallas.
  2. Exit onto TX-19 N.
  3. Follow TX-19 N, which will connect to Highway 64 E into Van.

Cost of Gas: Using a compact car:

  • Total gallons needed: 105 miles / 30 mpg = 3.5 gallons
  • Total cost: 3.5 gallons x $3.25/gallon = $11.38

Costs for other vehicle types:

  • Midsize Sedan (25 mpg): $13.50
  • SUV (20 mpg): $17.25
  • Pickup Truck (15 mpg): $23.75

Best Route Recommendation

Among the three routes, the I-20 E route stands out as the best option for several reasons. It offers the shortest distance and the least amount of travel time, averaging around 1 hour and 30 minutes. The gas costs are the lowest as well, making it an economical choice whether you are traveling in a compact car or a larger vehicle.

While the US-80 E route offers a slightly longer drive, and the TX-19 N route adds additional mileage without a significant upside in terms of scenic value, the I-20 E route provides a straightforward, direct path that gets you to Van quickly and affordably.

Other Considerations

Aside from fuel costs, there are other expenses to consider before hitting the road. This includes food, tolls (if applicable), and any activities you wish to pursue in Van. Pack snacks and drinks for the ride to minimize additional costs, and familiarize yourself with possible tolls on the route you select to avoid unexpected expenses.

Plan your day in Van. Whether you plan to visit local attractions, engage in outdoor activities, or just enjoy the scenic views, consider costs associated with entry fees or equipment rentals.

Conclusion

Traveling from Dallas to Van, Texas, can be a delightful experience with minimal costs. The journey via the I-20 E route is the most efficient, taking approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes with a total gas expense around $9.75 for a fuel-efficient compact car. No matter what vehicle you choose, knowing your route and gas expenses will enhance your traveling experience, allowing you to enjoy the scenic Texas landscapes while keeping your travel budget in check.