Driving Cost from Denver, Colorado to Perry Hall, Maryland

A picture depicting a gas pump

Budgeting Your Road Trip: The Cost of Traveling from Denver, Colorado to Perry Hall, Maryland Based on Gas Prices

Planning a road trip between Denver, Colorado, and Perry Hall, Maryland, offers an exciting adventure across the United States. The long-distance drive stretches approximately 1,200 miles and presents travelers with various route options, each with its unique scenic beauty and potential costs.

Knowing current gas prices is essential for budgeting your trip. At the time of this writing, the national average gas price is around $3.50 per gallon, which you'll use to calculate fuel costs. In this article, we'll explore potential routes, their distances and costs, and suggest the best route to take for your journey.

Route Options

Travelers can choose from several routes between Denver and Perry Hall. Here, we will examine three popular routes: the Northern Route via I-80, the Central Route via I-70, and the Southern Route via I-40. Each route has its advantages and disadvantages in terms of distance, scenery, and cost.

Northern Route: I-80

Distance: Approximately 1,300 miles
Estimated Driving Time: 19 hours

The Northern Route takes travelers northeast from Denver before joining Interstate 80. This route passes through Wyoming and Nebraska, showcasing stunning landscapes and picturesque small towns along the way.

Key Stops:

  • Cheyenne, Wyoming
  • North Platte, Nebraska
  • Omaha, Nebraska

Fuel Cost Calculation:

  1. Miles per Gallon (MPG): Assuming an average vehicle that gets 25 MPG.
  2. Total Gallons Needed: 1,300 miles ÷ 25 MPG = 52 gallons
  3. Total Cost: 52 gallons × $3.50 per gallon = $182

Central Route: I-70

Distance: Approximately 1,225 miles
Estimated Driving Time: 18 hours

The Central Route via I-70 is a popular option for its combination of urban settings and natural beauty. It starts westward through the Rocky Mountains before heading east across Kansas.

Key Stops:

  • Colorado Springs, CO
  • Topeka, Kansas
  • St. Louis, Missouri

Fuel Cost Calculation:

  1. Miles per Gallon (MPG): Using the same average of 25 MPG.
  2. Total Gallons Needed: 1,225 miles ÷ 25 MPG = 49 gallons
  3. Total Cost: 49 gallons × $3.50 per gallon = $171.50

Southern Route: I-40

Distance: Approximately 1,350 miles
Estimated Driving Time: 22 hours

The Southern Route follows I-40, providing a scenic and diverse landscape as it heads through New Mexico and Texas. This route offers a blend of desert beauty and urban experiences.

Key Stops:

  • Amarillo, Texas
  • Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
  • Little Rock, Arkansas

Fuel Cost Calculation:

  1. Miles per Gallon (MPG): Maintaining the same 25 MPG benchmark.
  2. Total Gallons Needed: 1,350 miles ÷ 25 MPG = 54 gallons
  3. Total Cost: 54 gallons × $3.50 per gallon = $189

Comparison of Routes

Here is a summary comparison of the three routes:

Route Distance (miles) Estimated Time (hours) Gas Cost ($)
Northern Route 1,300 19 182
Central Route 1,225 18 171.50
Southern Route 1,350 22 189

After comparing these routes, the Central Route via I-70 emerges as the best option for most travelers.

Reasons to Choose the Central Route:

  1. Cost Efficiency: The Central Route offers the lowest fuel cost at approximately $171.50.
  2. Time Efficient: It is also the quickest route, with an estimated driving time of 18 hours.
  3. Diverse Landscapes: The trip showcases beautiful views of the Rocky Mountains, expansive Kansas plains, and urban experiences in Missouri.

Additional Costs to Consider

While fuel typically constitutes the bulk of your road trip budget, several other costs can impact your overall trip expenses:

Food Costs

Travelers should budget for meals along the route. Depending on your dining preferences, average meal costs can range from $10 to $20 per person per meal. If you anticipate three meals a day for a two-day trip, you could spend between $60 and $120 per person.

Accommodation Costs

Unless you're planning to drive straight through, consider accommodation costs for overnight stays. Hotel prices can vary significantly based on location, quality, and time of year, ranging from $75 to $150 per night. For a two-night stay, you may incur:

  • Budget Hotels: ~ $75 per night, total = $150
  • Mid-range Hotels: ~ $100 per night, total = $200
  • Higher-end Hotels: ~ $150 per night, total = $300

Activities and Attractions

If you plan to visit attractions along your route, budget extra for entrance fees and activities. From national parks to museums, these can add up quickly.

Final Thoughts

Embarking on a road trip from Denver to Perry Hall is an exciting experience filled with a variety of landscapes, cities, and attractions. Taking the Central Route via I-70 provides the most balance in cost and time, allowing travelers to soak in the beauty of the journey while staying within budget. With a distance of approximately 1,225 miles and an estimated driving time of 18 hours, the trip is manageable and offers ample opportunities for exploration.

Remember to consider food, accommodation, and activity costs as you plan your adventure. Enjoy the ride, and take in all the sights and experiences that come your way!