The Cost of Driving from Albuquerque, New Mexico to Colorado Springs, Colorado

Taking a road trip from Albuquerque, New Mexico to Colorado Springs, Colorado can be a fun adventure for the entire family. However, before embarking on this trip, it is essential to factor in the cost of driving, including gas prices, toll fees, and the distance traveled. In this blog post, we will explore the different routes available, their distance, time, and cost.

The Shortest Route: I-25 N

Taking the shortest and most direct route from Albuquerque to Colorado Springs is via I-25 N, which covers a distance of ** 369 miles**. At average speeds of around 65 mph, this route will take you approximately 5.5 hours. With an average gas mileage of 25 miles per gallon, you will need around 15 gallons of gas for the trip. If the current gas price is $3.60 per gallon, you will need to budget for around $54 for gas. The route does not have any toll fees making it the most affordable option.

The Scenic Route: US-285 N and US-24 E

For drivers who enjoy scenic routes, there is an alternative route from Albuquerque to Colorado Springs via US-285 N and US-24 E. This route covers a longer distance of around 446 miles through the mountainous regions of Colorado and the Santa Fe National Forest. The journey time is estimated at around 7.5 hours at an average speed of 60 mph. With an average gas consumption of 25 miles per gallon, you will need to budget for around 18 gallons of gas. The current gas price of $3.60 per gallon means you will need to budget around $65 for gas. There are no toll fees on this route, making it a relatively affordable option.

The Quickest and Costliest Route: NM-41 N and I-40 W

If saving time is a priority and you don't mind paying toll fees, the quickest route from Albuquerque to Colorado Springs is via NM-41 N and I-40 W. This route covers a distance of around 474 miles and takes around six and a half hours, with an average speed of 73 mph. However, this route also has two toll booths at cost of around $10 each way, so you will need to budget around $20 on top of gas. If the current gas price is $3.60 per gallon, you can expect to spend around $73 on gas, with an average consumption of 20 miles per gallon.

In summary, there are different routes to choose from when driving from Albuquerque to Colorado Springs, with different costs and travel times. The shortest route of I-25 N is the most affordable, while the scenic route of US-285 N and US-24 E offers breath-taking views of Colorado. Meanwhile, the quickest route of NM-41 N and I-40 W comes with a higher cost due to toll fees. Knowing the cost breakdown of each route will help you make an informed decision based on your budget and preferences for this exciting trip.