Cost of Driving from Denver, Colorado to Katy, Texas: A Fuel and Toll Breakdown
Planning a road trip from Denver, Colorado to Katy, Texas? Aside from packing your bags and choosing your playlist, you'll want to know how much the trip is going to cost you—especially when it comes to fuel and any tolls along the way. Let’s break down the best routes, distances, travel times, and costs, all based on current gas prices.
Route 1: I-25 S to I-40 E
One of the most straightforward routes to take is via I-25 South to I-40 East. This path takes you through scenic landscapes and vibrant cities.
- Distance: Approximately 675 miles
- Estimated Time: About 10 hours
Now, with current gas prices averaging $3.50 per gallon, and assuming your vehicle gets about 25 miles per gallon, you can expect to use around 27 gallons of gas. This brings your total gas cost to approximately $94.50.
Additionally, there are tolls on this route, mainly around the areas near Santa Fe and Amarillo. You might budget around $20 for tolls here, bumping your total travel cost to $114.50.
Route 2: I-70 E to I-35 S
Another viable option is traveling via I-70 East until you connect to I-35 South. This route is a bit longer but offers different scenic views along the way.
- Distance: Roughly 700 miles
- Estimated Time: About 11 hours
For this route, with gas prices still hovering around $3.50 per gallon and fuel efficiency at 25 miles per gallon, you're looking at needing approximately 28 gallons of gas. The gas cost would be around $98.
As for tolls, this route includes some toll roads, particularly as you approach Austin. It’s wise to set aside about $25 for these tolls, making your total expense for this trip approximately $123.
Route 3: US-87 S
If you're after a more scenic, less-traveled route, then taking US-87 South might be perfect for you. This route gives you the chance to enjoy some charming small towns along the way.
- Distance: Approximately 650 miles
- Estimated Time: About 9.5 hours
With the same gas price assumption of $3.50 per gallon and a vehicle with 25 miles per gallon, you’ll need about 26 gallons of gas. That leads to a gas cost of around $91.
This route has fewer tolls compared to the other options. A quick budget of around $10 for any possible tolls along the way is prudent. Thus, the total cost for this scenic adventure would come out to about $101.
Conclusion
In summary, the cost of driving from Denver to Katy can vary, but it’s great to see how different routes impact your travel budget. If you want to save a bit, go for the US-87 S route, totaling around $101, while the I-25 route offers a more straightforward plan for around $114.50. No matter which way you choose, make sure to fuel up, enjoy the journey, and drive safely! Happy travels!