Driving Cost from Dallas, Texas to Denver, Colorado

A picture depicting a gas pump

Budgeting Your Road Trip: The Cost of Traveling from Dallas to Denver Based on Current Gas Prices

Planning a road trip from Dallas, Texas, to Denver, Colorado, is an excellent way to explore the American landscape. However, before you hit the open road, it’s essential to understand the costs involved, especially given current gas prices. This article breaks down the various route options, provides an estimate of costs, and recommends the best route for your trip.

Understanding Your Vehicle's Fuel Economy

Before diving into route details, it's crucial to consider your vehicle's fuel economy. Cars with higher miles per gallon (MPG) will obviously save you money on gas, especially for long trips. Most vehicles average between 20 and 30 MPG on the highway, but this can vary significantly based on the make, model, and driving conditions. For our calculations, we will assume an average fuel economy of 25 MPG.

Current Gas Prices

As of October 2023, the average gas price in Texas hovers around $3.00 per gallon, while in Colorado, it is approximately $3.50 per gallon. These prices can fluctuate, so it's wise to check local prices before starting your trip.

Route Options from Dallas to Denver

The distance between Dallas and Denver is about 600 miles, and you have several route options to choose from. We'll explore three main routes along with their distances and estimated gas costs.

Route 1: I-35N and I-25N (Approx. 600 miles)

  • Distance: Approximately 605 miles
  • Estimated Time: About 9 hours
  • Estimated Gas Cost:
    • Total gallons needed: 605 miles / 25 MPG = 24.2 gallons
    • Gas cost in Texas: 24.2 gallons * $3.00 = $72.60
    • Gas cost in Colorado: 24.2 gallons * $3.50 = $84.70
    • Total Estimated Gas Cost: $157.30

This route is often considered the most straightforward, taking you through Fort Worth, then connecting with I-25N in New Mexico, leading directly into Denver. Expect a mix of urban and scenic views along this well-traveled highway.

Route 2: I-20W and I-25N (Approx. 625 miles)

  • Distance: Approximately 625 miles
  • Estimated Time: About 9 hours and 30 minutes
  • Estimated Gas Cost:
    • Total gallons needed: 625 miles / 25 MPG = 25 gallons
    • Gas cost in Texas: 25 gallons * $3.00 = $75.00
    • Gas cost in Colorado: 25 gallons * $3.50 = $87.50
    • Total Estimated Gas Cost: $162.50

This route takes you west from Dallas to join the I-25N. It is a slightly longer trip and includes some stretches through less populous areas, which can offer beautiful scenery but fewer refueling options.

Route 3: I-30W and I-25N (Approx. 620 miles)

  • Distance: Approximately 620 miles
  • Estimated Time: About 9 hours and 15 minutes
  • Estimated Gas Cost:
    • Total gallons needed: 620 miles / 25 MPG = 24.8 gallons
    • Gas cost in Texas: 24.8 gallons * $3.00 = $74.40
    • Gas cost in Colorado: 24.8 gallons * $3.50 = $86.80
    • Total Estimated Gas Cost: $161.20

This route allows you to experience more greenery and offers various stops along the way, particularly around rural Texas and New Mexico.

Cost Summary

Based on the above calculations, here is a cost summary for each of the routes:

  • Route 1: $157.30
  • Route 2: $162.50
  • Route 3: $161.20

Best Route Recommendation

After considering the distances, estimated travel times, and gas costs, Route 1 (I-35N and I-25N) stands out as the best option. Not only does it offer the lowest fuel cost at approximately $157.30, but it also provides the most direct route to Denver. The scenic views along the way, combined with frequent amenities on this highway, make it an even better choice.

Additional Costs to Consider

While gas constitutes a significant portion of your travel expenses, other costs can arise during your trip:

Food Costs

Depending on how many stops you plan to take, your food costs may vary widely. Budget about $10 to $15 per meal, which translates to roughly $30 to $45 per day. If you take a day to travel, you should budget at least $30 for food on the route.

Accommodation Costs

If you opt to rest overnight during your trip, factor in accommodation costs. Budget motels typically charge between $70 and $100 for a night.

Miscellaneous Costs

Don’t forget about tolls, snacks, and unexpected detours or attractions that may catch your interest. It’s wise to keep an additional budget of $50 to $100 for these miscellaneous expenses.

Conclusion

Embarking on a road trip from Dallas to Denver offers a wonderful escape, allowing you to experience the diverse landscapes of Texas and Colorado. Utilizing Route 1, you can efficiently traverse the approximately 605 miles with a fuel cost hovering around $157.30, contributing to overall affordability. Allow yourself about 9 hours of driving time, keeping in mind to account for breaks and meals along the way. With the right planning and budgeting, your trip promises to be enjoyable and memorable.