Driving Cost from Detroit, Michigan to Arlington, Texas

A picture depicting a gas pump

The Cost of Driving From Detroit, Michigan to Arlington, Texas: A Gas Price Breakdown

Planning a road trip from Detroit to Arlington? Exciting! As you consider making this journey, it's essential to factor in the costs associated with fuel and potential tolls. The trip spans roughly 1,000 miles, and depending on the route you choose, you can expect different travel times and costs. Let’s explore a few routes while factoring in the current gas prices to give you a clear picture of the expenses involved.

Route 1: I-70 W

The first route, taking I-70 W, is a popular choice for drivers heading from Detroit to Arlington. This scenic route offers a blend of rural and urban landscapes, making for an enjoyable drive.

  • Distance: Approximately 1,000 miles
  • Estimated Time: Around 15 hours

Here’s the math: With the current average gas price hovering around $3.50 per gallon and assuming your vehicle averages 25 miles per gallon, you would need about 40 gallons of gas for the whole trip. Multiplying 40 gallons by $3.50 gives you a total fuel cost of $140.

Regarding tolls, this route doesn’t feature any significant toll roads, so you can allocate your budget primarily for gas.

Route 2: I-75 S and I-20 W

Another route worth considering is the combination of I-75 S and I-20 W. This route might take you through some interesting southern cities, giving you a taste of the Southern experience along the way.

  • Distance: Approximately 1,050 miles
  • Estimated Time: About 16 hours

For this route, using the same gas price and vehicle fuel efficiency, you would also need approximately 42 gallons of fuel. At $3.50 per gallon, you’re looking at a fuel cost of around $147. However, do keep in mind that some sections of I-20 may have tolls, which could add an additional $20 to $30 to your overall cost.

Route 3: I-69 S to I-30 W

The route through I-69 S to I-30 W offers a more direct option, which can be beneficial if you want to reach Arlington quickly.

  • Distance: Roughly 950 miles
  • Estimated Time: Nearly 14 hours

This route requires lesser fuel than the others due to the shorter distance. At 38 gallons of gas, your fuel cost would be about $133. Toll prices on this route can vary significantly, but you might expect around $10 for tolls.

Conclusion

Choosing the right route for your trip from Detroit to Arlington depends on what's most important to you—be it saving time, enjoying scenic views, or managing costs. From our analysis of the three routes, here’s a quick recap of the total costs:

  • Route 1 (I-70 W): 1,000 miles, $140 for gas, $0 tolls
  • Route 2 (I-75 S and I-20 W): 1,050 miles, $147 for gas, $20-$30 tolls
  • Route 3 (I-69 S to I-30 W): 950 miles, $133 for gas, $10 tolls

Ultimately, your travel costs may fluctuate with gas prices, vehicle efficiency, and specific tolls, but a well-planned route will certainly help you enjoy your trip more while keeping costs manageable. So, buckle up, hit the road, and enjoy the journey!