The Cost of Driving From Denver to Seattle: A Gas Price Breakdown

Planning a road trip from Denver, Colorado to Seattle, Washington? It's an exciting journey with stunning landscapes, but before you hit the road, let's break down the costs associated with this trek based on current gas prices. So, buckle up!

Route 1: I-25 N and I-90 W

The most popular route from Denver to Seattle is via I-25 North and I-90 West. This route covers a distance of 1,020 miles and generally takes around 16 hours and 30 minutes to drive, not accounting for breaks.

Cost Breakdown

Given that the average gas price in Colorado is about $3.60 per gallon and your vehicle averages 25 miles per gallon, you’ll need approximately 40.8 gallons of gas for the trip. Multiplying that by the gas price gives you a total of roughly $146.88 in gas costs.

Moreover, you won't encounter any tolls on this route, making it budget-friendly overall.

Route 2: I-70 W and I-84 W

Another scenic option is to take I-70 West to I-84 West, passing through beautiful mountain ranges and gorgeous river valleys. This route totals 1,150 miles and typically takes about 18 hours to complete.

Cost Breakdown

With the same gas price of $3.60 per gallon and assuming your car’s fuel efficiency remains at 25 miles per gallon, you would need approximately 46 gallons of gas for this longer trip. This leads to a gas expense of about $165.60.

As for tolls along this route, you'll encounter some toll roads, especially if you decide to take I-70 through the mountains. This can add an additional $10-$20 depending on your exact route choice.

Route 3: I-76 W and I-80 W

For those looking for a different perspective, consider taking I-76 West and I-80 West. This route is less crowded and features charming small towns along the way. The total distance is 1,130 miles, and the driving time averages about 17 hours and 30 minutes.

Cost Breakdown

Sticking with the premise of $3.60 per gallon and 25 miles per gallon, you'd require about 45.2 gallons of gasoline. This brings your gas cost to around $162.72.

While this route is quite scenic, keep in mind that you might encounter a few tolls, adding another $15 to your travel expenses.

Conclusion

Driving from Denver to Seattle offers various routes, each with its unique charm and slight variations in cost. Based on current gas prices and vehicle efficiency, you can expect gas costs ranging from $146.88 to $165.60 depending on your chosen path, not to mention additional toll costs if you take certain routes.

So, before you set out on your adventure, consider the distance, travel time, and gas expenses associated with each option. Whichever route you choose, enjoy the journey and safe travels!