The True Cost of Driving from Drummond, Montana to Portland, Oregon: A Road Trip Breakdown
Are you dreaming of a scenic road trip from Drummond, Montana to the vibrant city of Portland, Oregon? This journey spans striking landscapes and bustling towns. However, before you hit the road, it’s crucial to calculate the costs involved, especially with fluctuating gas prices. Let’s break down a couple of popular routes, their distance, time, and cost.
Route 1: I-90 W and I-84 W
This route is the most direct and offers some picturesque views along the way. You’ll take I-90 West, then connect to I-84 West, which leads you right into Portland.
- Distance: 600 miles
- Time: 9 hours
- Cost:
Let's break down the fuel cost. Assuming an average gas price of $4.00 per gallon and a vehicle that gets 25 miles per gallon, you’ll need approximately 24 gallons for the trip. Thus, the total gas cost will be about:
- 24 gallons x $4.00/gallon = $96.00
As you travel, you might encounter some minor tolls, but they usually don’t add much. In total, you’re looking at roughly $100.00 for this route.
Route 2: I-94 W and I-84 W
If you prefer a more northern approach with beautiful views of the landscape, consider this route. You’ll take I-94 West and then join I-84 West. Although it is slightly longer, it can offer stunning scenery.
- Distance: 630 miles
- Time: 10 hours 30 minutes
- Cost:
Again, using the same average gas price of $4.00 per gallon and fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, you’ll need about 25.2 gallons. This translates to a fuel cost of approximately:
- 25.2 gallons x $4.00/gallon = $100.80
While this route has a few more tolls, they are not significant enough to make a drastic change in price. Therefore, budget around $105.00 for your trip.
Budgeting for Your Adventure
Now that you’ve seen the options, you can choose the route that fits your schedule and preferences best. Whether you go with the quicker, more direct route or prefer the scenic, slightly longer option, both come with appealing sights and a fair cost.
In summary:
- Route 1 (I-90 W and I-84 W): 600 miles, 9 hours, $100.00
- Route 2 (I-94 W and I-84 W): 630 miles, 10 hours 30 minutes, $105.00
No matter which route you decide on, grab some snacks, create a killer playlist, and enjoy the adventure! Safe travels from Drummond to Portland!