Budgeting Your Drive: Denver, Colorado to Merrick, New York Based on Current Gas Prices
Planning a road trip from the breathtaking Rocky Mountains to the bustling streets of Merrick, New York? One of the most significant considerations for your journey is understanding the cost associated with driving such a long distance. In this blog post, we will explore different routes you can take and how much you might spend on gas and tolls along the way.
Route 1: I-70 E to I-76 E to I-95 N
This first route is quite straightforward and is one of the most common paths taken when driving from Denver to Merrick. Starting on I-70 E, you will then merge onto I-76 E before finally connecting to I-95 N.
- Distance: Approximately 1,850 miles
- Time: Roughly 27 hours (excluding any rest stops)
- Gas Cost: Assuming the current average gas price is about $3.70 per gallon and your vehicle gets around 25 miles per gallon, you will need approximately 74 gallons of gas. This brings your total gas cost to about $273.80.
Additionally, this route encounters several tolls, especially as you get closer to the New York area, totaling around $50.
Total Estimated Cost for Route 1:
Gas: $273.80
Tolls: $50
Total: $323.80
Route 2: I-80 E
Another popular option is to take I-80 E. This scenic route offers stunning views while providing a direct path.
- Distance: Approximately 1,900 miles
- Time: About 28 hours of driving time
- Gas Cost: With the same assumptions of $3.70 per gallon and 25 miles per gallon, you will require around 76 gallons of gas, leading to a total of about $281.20 for fuel.
This route does have a bit of toll traffic, especially in areas like Illinois and Pennsylvania. Expect to pay around $40 in tolls along the way.
Total Estimated Cost for Route 2:
Gas: $281.20
Tolls: $40
Total: $321.20
Route 3: I-40 E to I-95 N
For those who prefer a slightly southern path, taking I-40 E to I-95 N is another viable option. This route takes you through scenic landscapes and historical landmarks.
- Distance: Approximately 1,950 miles
- Time: Approximately 29 hours
- Gas Cost: Again, using the average gas price of $3.70 per gallon and a fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, you will need about 78 gallons of gas, resulting in a cost of $288.60.
Tolls on this route can vary, but you can expect to spend around $35 as you navigate the northeastern states.
Total Estimated Cost for Route 3:
Gas: $288.60
Tolls: $35
Total: $323.60
Summary of Costs
To sum it all up, here are the estimated costs for each route:
- Route 1: $323.80
- Route 2: $321.20
- Route 3: $323.60
As you can see, there is not much of a difference in cost among the various routes. This makes the decision hinge more on your personal preferences for scenery and stops along the way. No matter which route you choose, your journey from Denver to Merrick will definitely be an adventure! Happy driving!