The Cost of Driving From Albuquerque, New Mexico to Lakeland, Florida: A Comprehensive Guide Based on Current Gas Prices

Road trips can be exciting, especially when traveling from the mesmerizing city of Albuquerque to the breathtaking Lakeland. However, as fun as they can be, these trips come with a cost. In this article, we'll discuss the cost of driving from Albuquerque, New Mexico, to Lakeland, Florida, including different routes, distances, travel time, and current gas prices. So, grab a pen and note-pad, and let's dive in!

The Southern Route: Through Texas

If you're eager to tour Texas, then this route is perfect for you. To start, you'll drive on I-25 and connect to I-40, leading to Amarillo, Texas. From there, you'll catch I-27 South, which will lead you to Lubbock before connecting you to I-20 East, where you'll journey through Dallas and arrive in Lakeland.

The distance of this route is roughly 1,835 miles, and it will take you about 26 hours to complete, depending on your pace. Based on the current gas prices of $2.85 per gallon, and providing an estimated fuel economy of 25 miles per gallon, you'll spend about $230 on gas. Furthermore, there are tolls to consider, and the cost for the whole trip is approximately $270.

The Eastern Route: Through the Gulf Coast

This route will lead you through many historical cities, including New Orleans and Tallahassee. From Albuquerque, take I-40 East and connect to I-35 South before arriving at Oklahoma City. Then, you'll proceed to drive through Dallas before connecting to the I-10 East, which takes you through Houston and New Orleans. Finally, you'll drive eastwards on I-10 and then take the I-75 North, which leads straight to Lakeland.

Compared to the southern route, you'll drive roughly 2,168 miles, and the journey will last approximately 32 hours, depending on your pace. The gas price for this route is currently $2.88 per gallon, and your estimated fuel economy should be around 25 miles per gallon. Based on that, you'll spend around $330 on gas alone. Additionally, there are several tolls to consider, and the total cost of this trip is about $390.

The Western Route: Through the Desert

This route features the scenic west landscapes of America, and it starts in Albuquerque, New Mexico, from where you'll connect to I-10 West. You'll then drive towards Phoenix, Arizona, and then go through Tucson. Next, you'll proceed to connect to I-25 North and pass through the mountains of Santa Fe and Albuquerque again before proceeding eastwards on I-40, connecting to Amarillo, and finally driving to Lakeland through Dallas.

This route has a distance of about 2,431 miles and will take around 37 hours, depending on your pace. Based on the current gas prices of $2.88 per gallon and an estimated fuel economy of 25 miles per gallon, you'll need around $390 for gas. Moreover, tolls to consider, so the total cost of this trip is approximately $440.

In conclusion, these three routes have their unique charms, and depending on your preferences, you can choose what works best for you. Regardless, a well-planned road trip has significant financial benefits, including more affordability and flexibility compared to other modes of transportation. With this comprehensive guide based on current gas prices and toll fees, we hope you'll make an informed choice when planning your road trip from Albuquerque, New Mexico, to Lakeland, Florida.