Driving Cost from Downtown Kansas City, Missouri to Houston, Texas

A picture depicting a gas pump

Planning Your Road Trip: Cost of Driving from Downtown Kansas City to Houston Based on Current Gas Prices

Are you dreaming of a road trip from the vibrant city life of Kansas City, Missouri, to the bustling streets of Houston, Texas? Whether you're visiting friends, relocating, or simply looking for an adventure, knowing the costs associated with your trip can help you budget accordingly. In this blog post, we'll explore different routes, their distances, travel times, and estimated costs based on current gas prices. Let’s hit the road!

Route 1: I-70 E and I-40 E

One of the most popular routes is the I-70 E and I-40 E approach. This way is not only straightforward but also quite scenic.

  • Distance: Approximately 800 miles

  • Time: About 12 hours

  • Cost:

    If we assume the average gas price is around $3.50 per gallon and your vehicle's fuel efficiency is about 25 miles per gallon, here's how the calculations go:

    [ \text = \frac{\text}{\text} = \frac{800}{25} = 32 \text ]

    [ \text = \text \times \text = 32 \times 3.50 = $112 ]

This route is quite economical, but remember to factor in any potential tolls, which can add around $10 depending on your exact route, bringing your grand total to approximately $122.

Route 2: I-35 S and US-287 S

Another great option is the I-35 S and US-287 S route. This path takes you through some beautiful countryside and vibrant towns.

  • Distance: Approximately 750 miles

  • Time: About 11 hours

  • Cost:

    Again assuming gas prices at $3.50 per gallon and a vehicle efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, your cost breakdown looks like this:

    [ \text = \frac{750}{25} = 30 \text ]

    [ \text = 30 \times 3.50 = $105 ]

This route could be cheaper regarding fuel; however, some segments may include tolls that could add about $5, for a total of approximately $110.

Route 3: I-44 S and I-10 E

For those looking for a mix of cities, consider the I-44 S and I-10 E path. It’s a longer route, but it allows you to explore some interesting locations along the way.

  • Distance: Approximately 850 miles

  • Time: About 13 hours

  • Cost:

    With gas prices still hovering around $3.50 per gallon and your car at 25 miles per gallon, your calculations will be:

    [ \text = \frac{850}{25} = 34 \text ]

    [ \text = 34 \times 3.50 = $119 ]

Tolls on this route can vary significantly, so be prepared to allocate another $15, which gets you to a total of approximately $134.

Final Thoughts

In summary, your driving adventure from Kansas City to Houston can vary in cost depending on the route you take. Here’s a quick recap:

  • I-70 E and I-40 E: 800 miles, 12 hours, $122 total.
  • I-35 S and US-287 S: 750 miles, 11 hours, $110 total.
  • I-44 S and I-10 E: 850 miles, 13 hours, $134 total.

So, pack your bags, fill up your tank, and hit the road! With a bit of planning, you can enjoy the journey just as much as the destination. Safe travels!