Road Trip Costs: Driving from Dickinson, North Dakota to Butte, Montana Based on Current Gas Prices
Planning a road trip can be both exciting and daunting. If you’re gearing up for a journey from Dickinson, North Dakota to Butte, Montana, you'll want to know what you can expect in terms of time, distance, and, of course, the cost. Let’s dive into your options, taking into account the current gas prices as you hit the open road!
Route 1: I-94 West to I-90 West
For many travelers, the most straightforward option is to take I-94 West to I-90 West. This route offers a nice mix of scenic views and smooth highways.
- Distance: Approximately 560 miles
- Time: Roughly 9 hours
- Cost: With the average gas price around $3.50 per gallon and assuming your vehicle gets about 25 miles per gallon, you would need about 22 gallons of gas. That brings the total to about $77 for gas.
Since this route has no tolls, your total trip cost remains at around $77.
Route 2: US-85 South to I-90 West
Another popular path is to take US-85 South, then merge onto I-90 West. This route is slightly different but still a great choice for travelers looking to avoid busy highways.
- Distance: Approximately 590 miles
- Time: About 10 hours
- Cost: Similarly, with gas prices at $3.50 per gallon and an average vehicle efficiency of 25 mpg, you’ll need about 24 gallons. This rounds your gas expenses to about $84.
Like the first route, there are no tolls here either, meaning your total setback remains at approximately $84.
Route 3: US-12 West
For those eager to explore, the scenic US-12 West route offers beautiful landscapes, though it adds a bit of time to your trip.
- Distance: Around 610 miles
- Time: Close to 11 hours
- Cost: With the same gas price of $3.50 and an estimated 25 mpg, you would require about 25 gallons of gas, leading to a cost of around $88.
While this route is toll-free, the increased distance and time can take its toll, literally and figuratively, so keep that in mind!
Conclusion
Choosing your route from Dickinson, North Dakota to Butte, Montana can significantly impact your travel experience and expenses. In summary:
- I-94 to I-90: 560 miles, 9 hours, approximately $77 in gas.
- US-85 to I-90: 590 miles, 10 hours, around $84 in gas.
- US-12: 610 miles, 11 hours, about $88 in gas.
All options bring unique views and road trip vibes! Whether you take the quicker highways or the scenic back roads, remember to enjoy the journey. Safe travels!