Driving Cost from Detroit, Michigan to New Orleans, Louisiana

A picture depicting a gas pump

The Cost of Driving from Detroit, Michigan to New Orleans, Louisiana: A Road Trip Breakdown

Planning a road trip from Detroit, Michigan to New Orleans, Louisiana? You’re in for quite an adventure! However, before you hit the open road, it’s important to know what to expect in terms of costs. Let’s break down the different routes, including the distance, time, and fuel expenses based on current gas prices.

Route 1: The I-65 South Route

First up is the scenic I-65 South Route, which is one of the most popular paths to take.

  • Distance: Approximately 750 miles
  • Time: Around 12 hours
  • Estimated Gas Cost: With current gas prices averaging around $3.50 per gallon, and assuming your vehicle gets 25 miles per gallon, you'll need about 30 gallons of gas. This makes your total gas cost approximately $105.
  • Toll Costs: You might encounter tolls along the way, particularly if you use the Indiana Toll Road. Expect to spend around $10 to $20 in tolls.

In summary, if you choose this route, you’re looking at a total cost of about $115 to $125 for gas and tolls combined.

Route 2: The I-70 and I-55 Route

Next, let’s discuss the I-70 and I-55 Route. This route takes a bit of a longer detour but offers a different set of scenic views.

  • Distance: Approximately 800 miles
  • Time: About 13 hours
  • Estimated Gas Cost: Again, using the same gas prices and fuel efficiency, you’ll need around 32 gallons. This results in an estimated gas cost of about $112.
  • Toll Costs: This route generally has fewer tolls compared to the I-65 route, but you could encounter a few along the way, costing about $5 to $15.

Putting this all together, the total cost for this route will be approximately $117 to $127.

Route 3: The I-40 Route

Finally, let’s check out the I-40 Route. Although it’s a little longer, many enjoy this drive because of the vibrant scenery.

  • Distance: Roughly 870 miles
  • Time: Close to 14 hours
  • Estimated Gas Cost: For this route, you’ll be looking at approximately 35 gallons of gas, translating to a gas cost of around $122.50.
  • Toll Costs: You’ll be pleased to know that the I-40 route generally has minimal toll costs, often around $5 or less.

In total, the cost of this route would come to about $127.50 for gas and tolls.

Conclusion

To wrap things up, your driving adventure from Detroit to New Orleans can vary significantly in terms of cost depending on the route you choose. The I-65 South Route offers the most efficient and cost-effective option, while the I-70 and I-55 Route and the I-40 Route provide unique experiences and beautiful landscapes.

Regardless of which route you take, make sure to prepare for your trip, enjoy the journey, and take in all the sights along the way! Happy travels!