Driving Cost from Denver, Colorado to New York City, New York

A picture depicting a gas pump

Driving from Denver to New York City: How Much Will It Cost You?

Planning a road trip from Denver, Colorado to New York City, New York? Buckle up! This adventurous journey covers approximately 1,780 miles, and while the prospect of hitting the open road is exciting, it’s essential to budget your trip accurately. In this post, we’ll explore a few routes, the distance each covers, the estimated time they take, and, of course, the cost based on current gas prices.

Route 1: The Direct Route via I-70 and I-76

The first option is the most direct route, taking you straight through some beautiful scenery. You’ll travel approximately 1,780 miles on this route. Driving time is around 27 hours, not accounting for breaks or stops along the way.

Here’s how the costs break down:

  • Gas Prices: As of October 2023, the average gas price is about $3.70 per gallon. Assuming your vehicle gets 25 miles per gallon, you will need approximately 71.2 gallons of gas. This will amount to around $263.44 for gas.

  • Toll Costs: While the direct route has minimal tolls, you might encounter some tolls along I-76 in Pennsylvania, which are generally around $15.

So, the total estimated cost for this route comes to about $278.44. Not too bad for a cross-country adventure!

Route 2: Scenic Route via I-80 and I-78

If you’re looking to take a slightly more scenic route, consider the journey via I-80 and I-78. This route covers a distance of approximately 1,850 miles, and you can expect about 29 hours of driving time.

Here’s the cost breakdown for this scenic adventure:

  • Gas Prices: With the same gas price of approximately $3.70 per gallon and assuming your vehicle maintains the same efficiency, you will need about 74 gallons of gas. This translates to approximately $273.80 for gas.

  • Toll Costs: Expect more tolls on this route, especially as you navigate through New Jersey. The total tolls could add up to around $40.

Thus, your estimated total for this more scenic route would be about $313.80. A little more costly, but the views might make it worth it!

Route 3: The Southern Route via I-40

For those who prefer warmer temperatures and fewer mountains, the southern route via I-40 offers a fantastic alternative. This route stretches over about 1,900 miles and takes about 30 hours of actual driving time.

Let’s examine the costs:

  • Gas Prices: Following the same formula as before, you’ll need approximately 76 gallons of gas, costing around $281.20.

  • Toll Costs: Thankfully, this route has relatively few toll roads, with most sections being toll-free, so you might only spend about $10 on tolls.

In total, the estimated cost for this southern detour is roughly $291.20. The extra miles might just bring a bit of warmth to your trip!

Conclusion

No matter which route you decide to take from Denver to New York City, you’ll be in for an adventure filled with picturesque landscapes and exciting stops along the way. Each route presents its own unique experience, but cost-wise, it’s always beneficial to plan ahead. By keeping track of gas prices and potential tolls, you can ensure a smooth and budget-friendly journey. So, gather your snacks, charge your playlist, and hit the road—it’s time to explore the great American landscape!