A Road Trip from Austin to El Paso: The Cost on Your Wallet

Are you planning a road trip from Austin to El Paso? Whether it's for business or pleasure, it's always good to know how much the journey will cost you. In this article, we'll take you through the different routes available, their distance, time, and cost, based on current gas prices.

The Southern Route (I-10 W)

The most popular and fastest route is taking I-10 W, which takes you through the southern towns of Texas (San Antonio, Del Rio, and Van Horn). The distance is around 570 miles and will take approximately 8 hours and 30 minutes with normal traffic conditions.

As of today, (August 2021), the current gas price in Austin is $2.82 per gallon. Therefore, the approximate cost of driving through this route would be around $110 for gas. This estimate doesn't include any tolls, so make sure to have some cash on hand in case you encounter them.

The Northern Route (TX-71 W and US-290 W)

The northern route offers plenty of scenic views of Texas Hill Country. To take this route, you need to go west on TX-71 and US-290 W. This route takes you through cities such as Johnson City, Fredericksburg, and Ozona before reaching El Paso. The distance is around 610 miles and takes approximately 10 hours and 30 minutes.

With the same gas price as earlier, the cost of driving on this route would be around $118 in total. This estimate is based on an average of 27 miles per gallon, and it doesn't include any toll costs you might encounter.

The Central Route (US-183 N and US-67)

The central route provides an opportunity to see some of the small towns in Texas, such as Coleman, Ballinger, and Big Lake. To take this route, you need to go north via US-183 N and then west on US-67. The distance is around 450 miles and takes approximately eight hours to drive.

The cost of gas on this route, based on the same gas price as earlier, is estimated to be around $87. This estimate doesn't include any toll prices, so make sure you have some cash on hand.

The Conclusion

Although the southern route is the most popular and fastest, the northern and central routes offer a different experience. Whichever route you plan to take, it's always best to plan for any potential tolls and gas prices. By doing so, you'll have a better idea of how much the road trip will cost you so that you can plan and manage your finances accordingly.

Have a safe and cost-effective trip!