The Cost of Driving from Denton to Balch Springs: A Budget-Friendly Guide Based on Current Gas Prices
Planning a trip from Denton, Texas, to Balch Springs? Whether you're headed for a special event or just a fun day out, it's important to consider the costs associated with your journey. In this blog post, we'll break down various routes you can take, their distances, estimated driving times, and, of course, the overall cost based on today's gas prices. Let’s dive in!
Route 1: The Scenic I-35E Route
The most straightforward route from Denton to Balch Springs is along I-35E. Covering a distance of approximately 54 miles, this route takes you directly through bustling cities and offers a glimpse of Texas charm along the way.
Estimated Driving Time: Around 1 hour without traffic. However, expect potential delays during peak hours.
Now, let’s talk costs! With the current average gas price hovering around $3.30 per gallon, and assuming your vehicle gets around 25 miles per gallon, you’ll need roughly 2.2 gallons of gas for this trip:
- Gas Cost: $3.30 x 2.2 = $7.26
- Toll Costs: There are no tolls on this route.
So, your total cost for the I-35E route is approximately $7.26.
Route 2: The Shortcut via US-377
If you prefer a more scenic drive with fewer highways, consider taking US-377. This route is a bit longer, stretching about 60 miles but takes you through some lovely landscapes and smaller towns.
Estimated Driving Time: Expect this route to take about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
With the same gas price and vehicle efficiency as before, your gas cost would be slightly higher, since you’ll use more fuel for the extra distance:
- Gas Cost: 60 miles ÷ 25 MPG = 2.4 gallons!
- Total Gas Cost: $3.30 x 2.4 = $7.92
- Toll Costs: There are also no tolls on this route.
In total, driving this distance will cost you approximately $7.92.
Route 3: The Fast Lane on I-20
For those looking to get there quickly, taking I-20 offers a great option. This route is slightly longer, totaling about 65 miles but is known for its relatively light traffic and smooth drive.
Estimated Driving Time: You can expect to be there in about 1 hour and 10 minutes.
As with the previous routes, let’s calculate your costs based on gas consumption:
- Gas Cost: 65 miles ÷ 25 MPG = 2.6 gallons.
- Total Gas Cost: $3.30 x 2.6 = $8.58
- Toll Costs: There are no tolls here either.
Thus, driving this I-20 route will set you back about $8.58 for gas.
Conclusion: Which Route Fits Your Budget?
After analyzing these three different routes from Denton to Balch Springs, you can see that costs vary slightly depending on the path chosen. The direct I-35E route is the most economical at approximately $7.26, while the scenic US-377 and the I-20 both come in at a few cents more, $7.92 and $8.58, respectively.
Ultimately, the best route for you may depend on your preferences—whether you value speed over scenery or vice versa. Happy driving, and remember to enjoy the journey as much as the destination!