Driving Cost from Denver, Colorado to Washington, District of Columbia

A picture depicting a gas pump

The Cost of Driving from Denver, Colorado to Washington, D.C.: A Gas Price Breakdown

Planning a road trip from Denver, Colorado to Washington, D.C. can be an exciting yet daunting task, especially when you want to figure out the costs involved. Today, we’ll break down two popular routes for this adventure, highlighting the distance, time, and cost of each trip based on current gas prices. With gas prices hovering around $3.50 per gallon, let’s hit the road!

Route 1: The Scenic I-70 E to I-64 E

The first route takes you through the stunning landscapes of the Rocky Mountains and beyond. Starting on I-70 E, then merging onto I-64 E, this route offers some beautiful views, making the journey memorable.

  • Distance: Approximately 1,050 miles
  • Time: Roughly 16 hours
  • Estimated Gas Cost: With your vehicle averaging 25 miles per gallon, you would need about 42 gallons of gas. At $3.50 per gallon, the total comes to around $147.

Additionally, you should keep in mind potential tolls along the way, especially in certain areas of Virginia. Depending on your exact route, anticipate around $25 in tolls. So, your total driving cost for this route would be approximately $172.

Route 2: The Straightforward I-80 E to I-76 E

If you prefer a more direct approach, the second route via I-80 E, then merging onto I-76 E offers less winding but still enjoyable scenery. This route keeps you on major highways, allowing for a smoother ride.

  • Distance: About 1,050 miles (similar to the first route)
  • Time: You can expect it to take around 15 hours and 30 minutes
  • Estimated Gas Cost: Following the same fuel economy, you would require approximately 42 gallons of gas. At $3.50 per gallon, your total gas cost again comes to about $147.

Just like the first option, tolls play a role here too. If you pick up any toll roads in Pennsylvania, consider an additional $30. Therefore, your total driving cost on this route would also be approximately $177.

Summary

As you can see, both routes present viable options for traveling from Denver to Washington, D.C., with only slight variations in distance and cost. Choosing between $172 and $177 will depend on your preference for scenery versus efficiency.

Start planning your road trip, pack your bags, and enjoy the journey ahead! After all, the road offers just as many experiences as the destination. Safe travels!