The Cost of a Trip Between Albuquerque, New Mexico and Plymouth, Wisconsin
Introduction
Embarking on a road trip from Albuquerque, New Mexico to Plymouth, Wisconsin can be an exhilarating experience. The journey covers a vast distance of approximately 1,415 miles, passing through multiple states and offering breathtaking scenery along the way. One of the primary concerns for any traveler when planning a road trip is the budget required to cover the cost of gas for the entire journey. In this article, we will explore the various routes available, analyze the cost and distance of each route, and ultimately recommend the most economical and efficient way to reach your destination.
Route Options
Route 1: The Interstate Highway Route
The most common and direct route between Albuquerque and Plymouth is to take the interstate highways all the way. By following this route, you would primarily be using I-40 East, I-44 East, I-55 North, I-57 North, I-70 East, I-55 North again, I-39 North, and I-43 North. This route covers a total distance of approximately 1,415 miles, with an estimated travel time of around 21 hours (not including breaks and stops).
Route 2: The Scenic Route
If you prefer to take a more scenic route that allows for occasional stops and sightseeing, there is an alternative option available. This route takes you through the states of New Mexico, Colorado, Nebraska, Iowa, and finally Wisconsin. The journey starts by taking I-25 North from Albuquerque, continuing onto I-76 East, I-80 East, and finally I-35 North, before reaching I-43 North to Plymouth. The total distance covered on this route is approximately 1,554 miles, adding around 139 miles to the journey compared to the interstate route. The estimated travel time for this scenic route is around 23 hours.
The Cost Breakdown
Now, let's get to the most crucial aspect of any road trip—the cost of gas. Gas prices fluctuate regularly, so it's important to have a good estimate of how much you will be spending on fuel for the trip. To calculate the cost, we will assume an average gas mileage of 25 miles per gallon (MPG) for your vehicle and consider the current gas prices in each state along the routes.
Gas Prices
New Mexico
As a starting point, let's consider the gas prices in Albuquerque, New Mexico. As of our latest research, the average gas price in Albuquerque is $3.17 per gallon.
Colorado
Continuing along the interstate route, once you reach Colorado, gas prices may vary. On average, gas prices in Colorado range from $2.75 to $3.15 per gallon.
Nebraska
After leaving Colorado and entering Nebraska, the average gas price is $3.05 per gallon.
Iowa
In Iowa, gas prices tend to be slightly higher, with an average price of $3.24 per gallon.
Wisconsin
Finally, as you approach your destination, the average gas price in Plymouth, Wisconsin, hovers around $3.01 per gallon.
Cost Calculation
Route 1: The Interstate Highway Route
The total distance covered on this route is approximately 1,415 miles. Given our average gas mileage of 25 MPG and considering the gas prices along the way, we can calculate the total cost of gas for the trip.
| State | Gas Price | Distance (miles) | Gas Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Mexico | $3.17/gal | 0 | $0 |
| Colorado | $2.95/gal | 383 | $110.61 |
| Nebraska | $3.05/gal | 316 | $97.74 |
| Iowa | $3.24/gal | 224 | $65.30 |
| Wisconsin | $3.01/gal | 492 | $144.27 |
| Total | 1,415 | $418.92 |
Route 2: The Scenic Route
The total distance covered on this route is approximately 1,554 miles. Using the same average gas mileage and considering the gas prices, we can calculate the cost for this alternative route.
| State | Gas Price | Distance (miles) | Gas Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Mexico | $3.17/gal | 0 | $0 |
| Colorado | $2.95/gal | 380 | $110.15 |
| Nebraska | $3.05/gal | 347 | $86.29 |
| Iowa | $3.24/gal | 198 | $58.20 |
| Wisconsin | $3.01/gal | 629 | $187.97 |
| Total | 1,554 | $442.61 |
Recommended Route: The Interstate Highway Route
After analyzing both routes, it is evident that the most cost-efficient option is the Interstate Highway Route. Despite being slightly shorter in distance, this route also benefits from lower gas prices in Colorado, Nebraska, and Iowa compared to the scenic route. By choosing the interstate route, you can save approximately $23.69 in gas expenses, making it the recommended option for cost-conscious travelers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a road trip from Albuquerque, New Mexico, to Plymouth, Wisconsin, offers an exciting adventure with stunning scenery along the way. By opting for the Interstate Highway Route, covering a distance of approximately 1,415 miles, and considering an average gas mileage of 25 MPG and current gas prices, the overall cost of gas for the entire trip is estimated to be around $418.92. The journey is anticipated to take approximately 21 hours, providing ample time for rest breaks and sightseeing as you make lifelong memories. Safe travels!