The Cost of Driving from Deerfield Township to St. Helen, Michigan: A Fuel Budget Guide
If you’re planning a road trip from Deerfield Township, Michigan, to St. Helen, you’ll want to know how much to budget for gas. This blog post breaks down the costs based on current gas prices and offers a few different routes to consider. Let’s hit the road!
Route 1: The Fastest Way
- Distance: 130 miles
- Estimated Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Gas Cost: Approximately $25.96
For those looking for the quickest option, Route 1 is your best bet. Start by heading north on US-23 and connect to I-75. This route will take you straight to St. Helen without many stops. Assuming a gas price of $3.99 per gallon and a fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, you’ll need about 3.1 gallons totaling $12.39 for the one-way trip. However, don’t forget the return journey! So, the total gas cost for a round trip would be $24.78.
On another note, if you’re driving a vehicle with lower fuel efficiency, say 20 mpg, the cost would rise to $15.65 for the one-way trip, leading to about $31.30 for the round trip. Always check your vehicle's mpg for the most accurate estimate!
Route 2: The Scenic Journey
- Distance: 140 miles
- Estimated Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Gas Cost: Approximately $28.30
If you prefer a more scenic route filled with beautiful views and charming small towns, consider this option. Starting from Deerfield Township, you’ll take M-14 to US-127 and then finally merge into I-75 towards St. Helen. This route does take a bit longer, but the scenery compensates for the additional driving time.
With the same gas price at $3.99 per gallon and a slightly higher distance, you’ll total about 3.6 gallons for the one-way journey. This results in a one-way gas cost of $14.34. For a round trip, that would bring your total to approximately $28.68.
Route 3: The Toll Road Option
- Distance: 135 miles
- Estimated Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Gas Cost: Approximately 26.04
An alternative for quick access with minimal stops is the toll road! Taking I-96 to US-127 offers a good balance of speed and comfort, albeit with tolls. You will face a toll charge of around $5 round-trip on this route. The total distance is just a bit longer, but the convenience can be worth the extra miles.
Assuming average gas prices of $3.99 per gallon and traveling 3.3 gallons for the one-way trip, your gas cost comes to around $13.18. Thus, the total round trip cost, including tolls, would be $34.22.
Summary
This trip to St. Helen is not only manageable but also allows for different driving experiences based on your budget and time preferences. Here’s a quick recap to help you decide:
- Route 1 (Fastest): 130 miles, 2 hours 15 minutes, $24.78 (round trip)
- Route 2 (Scenic): 140 miles, 2 hours 45 minutes, $28.68 (round trip)
- Route 3 (Toll Road): 135 miles, 2 hours 30 minutes, $34.22 (includes tolls)
As you can see, the costs can vary quite a bit depending on the route you take. Whatever option you choose, safe travels, and enjoy your trip to St. Helen! Happy driving!