Buckle Up: The Cost of Driving From Austin, Texas to Mesa, Arizona
Are you looking to embark on a road trip from Austin, Texas to Mesa, Arizona? While it may seem like an easy drive, there are some things to consider before hitting the open road. Gas prices, tolls, and the distance of different routes can all affect the cost of your journey. Let's take a look at your options and what you can expect to pay.
Route 1: I-10 West
The first and most direct route from Austin to Mesa is via I-10 West. This route covers a distance of approximately 990 miles and takes about 15 hours and 20 minutes to complete. Along the way, you'll pass through cities like San Antonio, El Paso, and Tucson.
The cost of gas for this route will depend on current gas prices. As of August 2021, the average gas price in Texas is $2.75 per gallon, while in Arizona it is $3.35 per gallon. Based on these prices, you can expect to spend around $115 on gas for the trip.
There are also tolls to consider on this route. When crossing the Texas border into New Mexico, there is a toll fee of $2.00. Additionally, when entering Arizona on I-10, there is a toll fee of $4.00.
Overall, the total cost for this route would be approximately $125 in gas and tolls.
Route 2: I-20 West and I-10 West
Another option to consider is taking I-20 West to I-10 West. This route covers a distance of approximately 1,290 miles and takes about 19 hours and 15 minutes to complete. While it is a longer route, it may be worthwhile if you want to avoid congestion around San Antonio.
The cost of gas for this route will also depend on current gas prices. With the added distance, you can expect to spend around $168 on gas for the trip, assuming the same gas prices as mentioned above.
There are also tolls to consider on this route. When crossing the Texas border into New Mexico, there is a toll fee of $2.00. Additionally, when entering Arizona on I-10, there is a toll fee of $4.00.
Overall, the total cost for this route would be approximately $174 in gas and tolls.
Route 3: US-90 West and I-10 West
If you're looking to take a scenic route, consider taking US-90 West and connecting to I-10 West. This route covers a distance of approximately 1,100 miles and takes about 17 hours and 30 minutes to complete. Along the way, you'll pass through cities like Del Rio and Fort Stockton, as well as several state parks.
The cost of gas for this route will depend on current gas prices, but it will likely be similar to Route 1 at around $115.
There are also tolls to consider on this route. When crossing the Texas border into New Mexico, there is a toll fee of $2.00. Additionally, when entering Arizona on I-10, there is a toll fee of $4.00.
Overall, the total cost for this route would be approximately $125 in gas and tolls.
Conclusion
Embarking on a road trip from Austin, Texas to Mesa, Arizona can be a fun and exciting adventure. However, it's important to consider the cost of different routes before hitting the road. Whether you decide to take the most direct route via I-10 West or opt for a longer, scenic route, be sure to factor in the cost of gas and tolls when planning your trip. Safe travels!