The Cost of a Trip from Delaware to Utah: A Gas Price Perspective
Planning a road trip can be an exciting adventure, but understanding the costs associated with the journey is crucial. This article explores the various routes from Delaware to Utah, emphasizing the gas expenses based on current prices. We’ll break down distances, costs, and recommend the best route for your travel needs.
Understanding Route Options
When traveling from Delaware to Utah, you have several route options to choose from. The most common routes include Interstate 70, Interstate 80, and a scenic route through the south. Each route has its own unique characteristics; hence, the distance, travel time, and gas costs differ significantly.
Route 1: Interstate 70
This route takes you through Maryland, West Virginia, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, and Colorado before reaching Utah. The approximate distance is around 1,850 miles.
- Mileage: 1,850 miles
- Estimated Driving Time: 28 hours
- Gas Price: As of October 2023, the average gas price is around $3.50 per gallon.
- Car Fuel Efficiency: Assuming an average fuel economy of 25 miles per gallon, you would need approximately 74 gallons of gas.
Cost Calculation:
Cost = Gallons Needed × Gas Price
Cost = 74 gallons × $3.50 = $259
Pros: This route offers relatively easy navigation and utilizes major highways, making it convenient for long-distance travel. It also features beautiful views of the Rocky Mountains as you approach Utah.
Cons: Limited scenic attractions along the way might make the drive feel monotonous for some travelers.
Route 2: Interstate 80
This route stretches through Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, and finally into Utah. The distance is about 1,900 miles.
- Mileage: 1,900 miles
- Estimated Driving Time: 29 hours
- Gas Price: Approximately $3.50 per gallon.
- Car Fuel Efficiency: Similarly, with an average of 25 miles per gallon, you would require around 76 gallons of gas.
Cost Calculation:
Cost = Gallons Needed × Gas Price
Cost = 76 gallons × $3.50 = $266
Pros: Interstate 80 provides a more direct route compared to Interstate 70 while still maintaining major highways that can enhance travel speed.
Cons: The scenery might be less impressive compared to the Rocky Mountain views on the other routes.
Route 3: Scenic Southern Route
If time allows and you want to enjoy diverse landscapes, consider taking a scenic route through Virginia, Tennessee, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico. This journey covers roughly 2,000 miles.
- Mileage: 2,000 miles
- Estimated Driving Time: 33 hours
- Gas Price: Estimated at about $3.50 per gallon.
- Car Fuel Efficiency: Assuming the same average fuel economy, you would need about 80 gallons of gas.
Cost Calculation:
Cost = Gallons Needed × Gas Price
Cost = 80 gallons × $3.50 = $280
Pros: This route offers rich cultural and historical experiences, as well as beautiful views of Southern landscapes.
Cons: The longer mileage and travel time can be exhausting, especially if you're traveling with kids or pets.
Summary of Costs and Distances
| Route | Distance (miles) | Driving Time | Gas Cost ($) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Interstate 70 | 1,850 | 28 hours | $259 |
| Interstate 80 | 1,900 | 29 hours | $266 |
| Scenic Route | 2,000 | 33 hours | $280 |
Choosing the Best Route
After considering the various routes based on distance, driving time, and cost, the Interstate 70 route emerges as the best option for most travelers. While it might not be the shortest in terms of miles, the travel time is manageable, and the gas cost is relatively low. Moreover, it provides breathtaking views, especially as you near Colorado and Utah.
Additional Considerations for the Journey
When embarking on a road trip from Delaware to Utah, you should also factor in additional costs beyond just gas. Here are some considerations:
Accommodations
If you don't plan to drive straight through, consider the cost of lodging. Prices may vary based on your choice of hotel or campground but budget anywhere from $70 to $150 a night for a decent hotel.
Food and Snacks
Dining on the road adds to your expense. A budget of approximately $10-$20 per meal can help you estimate your food costs. If you stop for three meals a day, this will add an additional $30 to $60 daily.
Tolls and Miscellaneous Costs
Tolls may also come into play, particularly on certain routes. Budgeting around $20 to $50 for tolls while traveling can ensure you're prepared. Additionally, keep aside some money for snacks, drinks, and unplanned expenses.
The Best Plan: Sample Itinerary
For a well-rounded trip, consider planning not just the driving time but also time for breaks to refresh and explore sights along the way. A sample itinerary could look like this:
- Day 1: Depart from Delaware, driving approximately 650 miles, stopping overnight in Ohio ($100 for the hotel, plus food).
- Day 2: Continue to Missouri, covering another 700 miles ($150 for hotel, plus food).
- Day 3: Finish the final leg to Utah, driving around 600 miles and arriving in Utah.
Conclusion
Traveling from Delaware to Utah by car is a journey filled with diverse landscapes and experiences. The suggested route along Interstate 70 offers a balance of cost and scenic beauty, making it the ideal choice for your trip. Expect the trip to take about 28 hours of driving time, factoring in stops may stretch the journey to a couple of days. Happy travels, and enjoy your adventure across the united states!