The Cost of Driving From Albuquerque, NM to Oklahoma City, OK

Are you planning a road trip from Albuquerque, NM to Oklahoma City, OK? One of the biggest concerns you might have is the cost of the journey. In this blog post, we’ll take a detailed look at the different routes available, the distance, time, gas prices, and toll fees so you can plan your road trip in the most cost-effective way.

Route 1: I-40 E and I-44 W

This is the most common route taken by drivers traveling to Oklahoma City. The distance between the two cities is 565 miles, and the drive time is around 8 hours and 45 minutes. This route takes you through the scenic beauty of Texas, which is always a joy.

According to gasbuddy.com, the average gas price in Albuquerque, NM as of August 2021 is $3.90 per gallon. To complete the journey, you will need to fill up your gas tank a few times, depending on the mileage your car gets. If we assume the average car gets 25 miles per gallon (mpg), that will require approximately 23 gallons of gas. Total gas cost comes out to be $$\textbf{89.7}$$.

However, this route requires tolls when you enter Oklahoma. The fees vary from one turnpike to another, but to be on the safe side, budget for around $10-$15 in toll fees.

Route 2: US-54 W and I-44 W

This route is slightly longer, but it is often a more scenic drive as you move through the mountains. The distance between the two cities is 609 miles. The total drive time will range around 10-11 hours depending on the traffic.

The gas prices on this route are reduced as the average price of gas in Santa Rosa, New Mexico, on this route, is $3.69 per gallon, according to gasbuddy.com. The estimated fuel cost for this route is $\textbf{92.25}$, assuming fuel efficiency and the car get 25 mpg.

Additionally, if you take this route, you won’t need to pay any toll fees.

Route 3: I-40 E and US-183 N

This route is the longest route which is approximately 720 miles long and will take you around 12-13 hours to complete. You will pass through a few small towns with beautiful scenery, like Clinton, Texas.

The estimated gas cost for this journey is approximately $\textbf{111}$, based on gas prices for different cities on the route, and assuming the car gets 25 mpg efficiency.

However, this route does not have tolls.

Conclusion

The cost of driving from Albuquerque, NM to Oklahoma City, OK, is heavily dependent on the route you take, gas prices on the route, and toll fees. If you’re looking for the shortest route, you will need to pay tolls, but if you're looking to save money, you can opt for a longer route. Ultimately, it is up to you to decide which route provides the best balance of cost and scenic beauty. With the information in this post, you can plan your trip effectively and maximize your budget.