Driving Cost from Denver, Colorado to Hays, Kansas

A picture depicting a gas pump

Driving from Denver to Hays: How Much Does it Cost with Current Gas Prices?

Planning a road trip from Denver, Colorado to Hays, Kansas? This journey offers stunning scenery and an exciting adventure, but before you hit the open road, it’s essential to understand the costs involved. In this blog post, we'll explore different routes you can take, the distances, travel times, and the estimated costs based on current gas prices.

Route 1: I-70 East

The most straightforward path from Denver to Hays is via Interstate 70 East. This route is popular for its directness and relatively fast travel time.

  • Distance: Approximately 182 miles

  • Time: Around 2 hours 45 minutes

  • Gas Prices: Current gas prices in Colorado hover around $3.50 per gallon. With a vehicle that averages about 25 miles per gallon, here's how the math shakes out:

    • Total gallons needed: 182 miles ÷ 25 mpg = 7.28 gallons
    • Total cost for gas: 7.28 gallons × $3.50 = $25.48

This route is not only efficient but also fairly economical, making it a top choice for many travelers.

Route 2: US-287 South and I-70 East

If you’re looking for a slightly scenic detour, consider taking US-287 South before merging onto I-70 East. This route may add a little extra time, but the diverse landscapes can be quite enjoyable!

  • Distance: Approximately 210 miles

  • Time: About 3 hours 15 minutes

  • Gas Prices: Using the same gas prices as before, let's calculate the costs:

    • Total gallons needed: 210 miles ÷ 25 mpg = 8.4 gallons
    • Total cost for gas: 8.4 gallons × $3.50 = $29.40

While this route is a bit longer, it can provide a refreshing change of scenery along the way.

Route 3: I-76 East to I-70 East

Another option is to take I-76 East, then connect to I-70 East. This route is slightly more complicated, but it can also have its perks.

  • Distance: Approximately 195 miles

  • Time: Usually takes about 3 hours

  • Gas Prices: Using our same calculations, we’ll find the costs:

    • Total gallons needed: 195 miles ÷ 25 mpg = 7.8 gallons
    • Total cost for gas: 7.8 gallons × $3.50 = $27.30

This option doesn't stray far off the path but offers a slightly different experience with little extra time.

Wrapping Up

As you can see, the cost of driving from Denver to Hays can vary depending on the route you choose. The I-70 East route offers the quickest and most economical option at around $25.48. Meanwhile, exploring US-287 South brings additional travel time and a cost of approximately $29.40. Finally, the I-76 East route balances time and cost with an approximate expense of $27.30.

Whichever route you decide to take, pack your bags, fill up the gas tank, and enjoy your trip! Safe travels!