The Cost of Driving From Denver to Indianapolis: A Gas Price Guide for 2023
Planning a road trip from Denver, Colorado to Indianapolis, Indiana? Fun, right? While excitement fills the air, it’s important to consider a few practical aspects — namely, the cost of the journey. With gas prices fluctuating frequently, calculating your trip expenses beforehand can save you from surprises along the way. Let's break down some popular routes, their distances, estimated travel times, and overall costs.
Route 1: The Scenic I-70 E to I-76 E to I-70 E
Distance, Time, and Cost
Starting off with one of the most direct routes, this path takes you through some gorgeous landscapes.
- Distance: over 1,000 miles
- Time: approximately 15 hours
- Gas Cost: Assuming current gas prices hover around $3.50 per gallon and your vehicle’s fuel efficiency is about 25 miles per gallon, you'll need around 40 gallons for this trip. That amounts to roughly $140 for gas.
- Toll Costs: You might encounter a few tolls, costing around $15.
In Summary
If you take I-70 E, you’ll enjoy a straightforward drive with beautiful scenes of the Rocky Mountains transitioning into the Midwest. The total trip will roughly run you $155.
Route 2: The Longer but Varied I-25 N to I-70 E
Distance, Time, and Cost
For those who want a varied experience, this route leads you slightly north before coming down through Denver.
- Distance: 1,050 miles
- Time: about 16 hours
- Gas Cost: Following the same gas price and mileage conditions, you’ll need about 42 gallons for this distance, translating into a gas expense of around $147.
- Toll Costs: This route may have a few tolls that could sum up to approximately $20.
In Summary
Taking this route gives you a chance to see more of Colorado and Kansas. When all’s said and done, your total cost will be roughly $167.
Route 3: The Fast Track via I-25 S to I-70 E
Distance, Time, and Cost
If you’re in a hurry, this route is the quickest, allowing you to get from Denver to Indianapolis with minimal detours.
- Distance: just under 1,000 miles
- Time: around 14 hours
- Gas Cost: At 3.50 per gallon and a mileage of 25 mpg, you will need about 40 gallons, costing you around $140.
- Toll Costs: Be prepared for minimal tolls on this route, likely totaling around $10.
In Summary
By taking this efficient route, you'll save time and slightly reduce your costs, bringing your overall total to about $150.
Conclusion
Driving from Denver to Indianapolis can be a memorable adventure! By understanding different routes, their distances, travel times, and costs involved, you can plan accordingly and enjoy the journey without breaking the bank. Whether you choose the scenic route or the fast track, pack your snacks and get ready for the open road. Safe travels!