Driving Cost from Cleveland, Ohio to Albuquerque, New Mexico

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Calculating the Cost of a Trip: Cleveland, Ohio to Albuquerque, New Mexico

When planning a road trip from Cleveland, Ohio to Albuquerque, New Mexico, one of the major factors to consider is the cost. The price of gas, distance, and possible driving routes can all impact the overall expense of the trip. In this article, we will explore the different possible routes, highlight the cost and distance of each one, and recommend the best route based on current gas prices.

Possible Driving Routes

Route 1: I-80 W and I-70 W

This route begins in Cleveland, Ohio, and takes you through the states of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, and Colorado before finally reaching New Mexico. The total distance for this route is approximately 1,500 miles and takes approximately 23 hours to drive, without factoring in stops for rest or sightseeing.

Route 2: I-76 W and I-40 W

Another option is to take I-76 West from Cleveland, Ohio, and then connect to I-40 West, which will take you through Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, Colorado, and into New Mexico. The total distance for this route is around 1,600 miles and takes approximately 24 hours to drive, not including breaks.

Route 3: I-90 W and I-25 S

For a slightly longer but potentially more scenic route, you can take I-90 West from Cleveland, Ohio, and then connect to I-25 South, which will take you through Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, South Dakota, Wyoming, and Colorado, before reaching New Mexico. This route covers approximately 1,700 miles and takes around 25 hours to drive, excluding stops.

Calculating the Cost

To estimate the cost of gas for each route, we will use the average gas prices as of [current date]. According to AAA, the average gas price in Ohio is $2.85 per gallon, while in New Mexico, it is $3.00 per gallon. Factoring in the average fuel efficiency of a midsize car at 25 miles per gallon, we can calculate the estimated cost of gas for each route.

For Route 1, the total distance is 1,500 miles, which would require 60 gallons of gas at a cost of approximately $171 in Ohio and $180 in New Mexico.

For Route 2, the total distance is 1,600 miles, which would require 64 gallons of gas at a cost of around $183 in Ohio and $192 in New Mexico.

For Route 3, the total distance is 1,700 miles, which would require 68 gallons of gas at a cost of about $194 in Ohio and $204 in New Mexico.

Based on the estimated cost of gas and the overall driving distance, Route 1 (I-80 W and I-70 W) appears to be the most cost-effective option. While it is slightly shorter in distance than Route 2 and Route 3, it also requires less gas, resulting in lower fuel costs. In addition, this route offers a relatively direct path with major highways, making it a practical choice for a road trip from Cleveland to Albuquerque.

Conclusion

In conclusion, when considering the cost of a trip from Cleveland, Ohio to Albuquerque, New Mexico, the current gas prices and driving routes play a significant role in determining the overall expense. Based on the estimated cost of gas and the driving distance, Route 1 (I-80 W and I-70 W) is the most cost-effective option. With an estimated driving time of 23 hours, this route provides a balance of efficiency and affordability for travelers making the journey between these two cities. Safe travels!