Driving Cost from Denton, Texas to Red Oak, Texas

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Cost of a Trip from Denton, Texas to Red Oak, Texas: Exploring Routes and Budgeting for Fuel

Driving between Denton, a vibrant college town, and Red Oak, known for its suburban charm, can be an enjoyable journey. As gas prices fluctuate, understanding the cost of your trip becomes essential for effective budgeting and planning. This article will take you through various routes from Denton to Red Oak, estimating fuel costs along the way based on current gas prices.

Overview of the Trip

Distance and Timing

The distance between Denton and Red Oak is approximately 60 miles, depending on the route you choose. The journey generally takes around one hour, but factors such as traffic and road conditions can influence travel time. By examining different ways to reach Red Oak from Denton, you can make informed decisions on the best route for your trip.

Current Gas Prices

Before diving into the routes, let’s consider the current gas prices. As of October 2023, the average price per gallon of regular unleaded gasoline in Texas hovers around $3.40. This price can vary slightly based on location and other factors. For the purpose of our calculations, we will use this average to estimate the cost of fuel for each route.

Route Options

1. Route via I-35E S and US-67 S

  • Distance: Approximately 62 miles
  • Estimated Travel Time: About 1 hour and 10 minutes
  • Directions:
    • Start on I-35E S from Denton.
    • Follow I-35E S and take exit 418B toward US-67 S.
    • Continue on US-67 S to Red Oak.

Fuel Cost

Using an average fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon for a standard vehicle, the estimated fuel cost for this route is calculated as follows:

  • Total miles: 62
  • Gallons needed: 62 miles / 25 miles per gallon = 2.48 gallons
  • Fuel cost: 2.48 gallons * $3.40 = $8.43

2. Route via I-35E S and TX-342 Spur E

  • Distance: Approximately 64 miles
  • Estimated Travel Time: About 1 hour and 15 minutes
  • Directions:
    • Start on I-35E S from Denton.
    • Take exit 420B for TX-342 Spur E toward Lancaster.
    • Merge onto TX-342 Spur E and follow the signs to Red Oak.

Fuel Cost

For this route, the calculations yield:

  • Total miles: 64
  • Gallons needed: 64 miles / 25 miles per gallon = 2.56 gallons
  • Fuel cost: 2.56 gallons * $3.40 = $8.70

3. Route via TX-121 S

  • Distance: Approximately 55 miles
  • Estimated Travel Time: About 1 hour
  • Directions:
    • Take TX-121 S from Denton.
    • Merge onto I-20 E, continue to follow signs for US-67 S.
    • Follow US-67 S directly to Red Oak.

Fuel Cost

Calculating fuel costs along this route gives us:

  • Total miles: 55
  • Gallons needed: 55 miles / 25 miles per gallon = 2.2 gallons
  • Fuel cost: 2.2 gallons * $3.40 = $7.48

4. Route via TX-114 E and TX-360 S

  • Distance: Approximately 70 miles
  • Estimated Travel Time: About 1 hour and 20 minutes
  • Directions:
    • Start heading east on TX-114.
    • Merge onto TX-360 S.
    • Continue until you reach the junction to merge onto US-67 S towards Red Oak.

Fuel Cost

For this route, we can estimate:

  • Total miles: 70
  • Gallons needed: 70 miles / 25 miles per gallon = 2.8 gallons
  • Fuel cost: 2.8 gallons * $3.40 = $9.52

Comparing the Costs

Now that we've laid out the distances and costs associated with each route, let's summarize:

Route Distance (miles) Cost of Fuel ($)
I-35E S and US-67 S 62 $8.43
I-35E S and TX-342 Spur E 64 $8.70
TX-121 S 55 $7.48
TX-114 E and TX-360 S 70 $9.52

Recommendation: The Best Route

Among the options examined, the best overall route is the Route via TX-121 S. With the shortest distance of 55 miles and the lowest fuel cost of $7.48, it offers both efficiency and affordability. Not only does it save you money on gas, but it also keeps your travel time under one hour in ideal conditions.

If you prefer a blend of scenic views and minor detours, consider alternating routes based on your interests, but keep an eye on fuel costs. Depending on the day and traffic conditions, you could potentially find routes that avoid congestion, even if they are longer in distance.

Conclusion

Traveling from Denton to Red Oak offers a mix of route choices, each with varying distances and costs. The TX-121 S route stands out, providing an optimal balance of shorter drive time and lower fuel expenses. Plan to spend around one hour on your journey, making it a convenient option for day trips or quick visits. Happy travels, and consider exploring local attractions once you arrive in Red Oak!