The Cost of Driving from Downtown Kansas City, Missouri to Orchard Park, New York: A Gas-Priced Adventure
Planning a road trip can be exciting, but understanding the costs involved, especially with fluctuating gas prices, is essential. If you’re gearing up for a journey from Downtown Kansas City, Missouri to Orchard Park, New York, let’s dive into some different routes you can take, along with the distance, time, and costs associated with each option. Grab your snacks, and let’s hit the road!
Route 1: I-70 E and I-80 E
One common route takes you through the scenic views of the Midwest before merging onto I-80.
- Distance: Approximately 970 miles
- Estimated Driving Time: Around 14 hours and 30 minutes (without accounting for breaks)
- Gas Price: If we consider an average price of $3.70 per gallon, and an average fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, you will need approximately 39 gallons of gas, which totals about $144.30.
- Toll Costs: You might encounter tolls along the route, which can add another $30–$50 to your total expenses.
So, if you choose this route, the overall cost will be around $174.30–$194.30 when you bundle gas and tolls.
Route 2: I-70 E and I-90 E
This alternative path follows I-70 E initially and then connects to I-90 E, offering a slightly different experience of highways and local towns.
- Distance: Approximately 975 miles
- Estimated Driving Time: Close to 15 hours (again, not including breaks)
- Gas Price: With the same average of $3.70 per gallon and a vehicle that gets 25 mpg, your total gas consumption will be about 39 gallons, costing around $144.30.
- Toll Costs: This option also has tolls, especially as you near New York, which can range from $30 to $50.
In total, you’re looking at an estimated cost between $174.30–$194.30 for this route as well.
Route 3: I-44 N and I-70 E
For an off-the-beaten-path experience, consider taking I-44 N to I-70 E. This route offers a unique blend of highways and smaller roads.
- Distance: Roughly 1,000 miles
- Estimated Driving Time: About 15 hours and 15 minutes
- Gas Price: Using the same projections as before, you’ll need around 40 gallons of gas, which costs approximately $148.
- Toll Costs: Expect some minor toll costs along this route, ranging from $20–$40.
Altogether, this route would put your estimated cost between $168–$188.
Conclusion
In summary, each of these routes from Downtown Kansas City to Orchard Park offers not only different landscapes but also different costs. Depending on your preference for scenery, toll avoidance, or just the joy of driving, the total costs can vary, but they generally hover around $174.30 to $194.30 for the more direct routes and approximately $168 to $188 for the less direct one.
So, whether you're hitting the road solo or bringing the whole family along, make sure to budget for gas and tolls, and enjoy the adventure ahead! Happy travels!