The Cost of a Road Trip Between Boston, Massachusetts and Las Vegas, Nevada: Navigating Gas Prices
As summer approaches, road tripping is on the minds of many Americans. In fact, according to a recent survey by AAA, 74% of Americans are planning a road trip this year. If you've ever wanted to go from the East Coast to Las Vegas, this article is for you. We will discuss the different routes you can take and the cost of the trip based on current gas prices
Possible Routes
Route 1: I-90 West and I-80 West
This route covers a distance of approximately 2,917 miles from Boston, Massachusetts to Las Vegas, Nevada. It will take you through several states including Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, Colorado, Wyoming, and Utah. You will pass through cities like Cleveland, Des Moines, Cheyenne, and Salt Lake City, among others.
Route 2: I-80 West
The second route you can take is I-80 West. This route is slightly shorter - approximately 2,554 miles, but it will take you through some of the same states as the first route. However, you will bypass Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois, and you'll pass through Nebraska, Colorado, Wyoming, and Utah to get to Nevada.
Route 3: I-70 West
Another option to consider is I-70 West. This route covers approximately 2,454 miles from Boston, Massachusetts to Las Vegas, Nevada, and will take you through states like Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Colorado, Utah, and Nevada. You'll pass through cities like St. Louis, Denver, and Salt Lake City, among others.
Cost of Trip Based on Gas Prices
The cost of a road trip from Boston, Massachusetts to Las Vegas, Nevada will depend on several factors, including the type of car you have and the current gas prices. Using current gas prices as of May 2021 ($2.89 per gallon), we can give an estimate for each route.
Route 1: I-90 West and I-80 West
Assuming your car gets 25 miles per gallon (MPG), you will need approximately 117 gallons of gas to make this trip. This will cost you approximately $338.13 for a one-way trip. Therefore, round trip cost would be $676.26
Route 2: I-80 West
Since route 2 is a shorter route, you'll need approximately 102 gallons of gas to make the trip. Round trip cost would be $589.78.
Route 3: I-70 West
Route 3 is slightly shorter than route 1 but longer than route 2. You'll need approximately 98 gallons of gas to make the trip. Round trip cost would be $283.22.
*Note: These estimates are just an approximation and the actual cost of a road trip may vary based on gas prices and different car models.
The Best Route
Out of the three routes, I-80 West may be the best for those looking to save on gas money. Although it is slightly longer than I-70 West, it is about 15% shorter than I-90 West and will require less gas. Another advantage of this route is that it passes through some of the most scenic parts of the country, such as the Rocky Mountains, which can make for an enjoyable trip.
Conclusion
It's clear that road trips can be a fun and enjoyable way to travel. However, it's important to plan for the cost of gas before hitting the road. This is especially important for long-distance trips like the one from Boston, Massachusetts to Las Vegas, Nevada. Ultimately, we recommend taking I-80 West for its scenic views and cost efficiency. Be sure to have your vehicle inspected before the trip and pack plenty of snacks and entertainment to make the journey an enjoyable one. Safe travels!