The Cost of a Trip Between Albuquerque, New Mexico and Prescott Valley, Arizona

Are you planning a trip from Albuquerque, New Mexico to Prescott Valley, Arizona? Traveling by car offers the flexibility and freedom to explore the scenic route and make stops along the way. However, before embarking on your journey, it's essential to consider the cost of the trip, primarily influenced by gas prices. In this article, we will discuss the different possible routes, their distances, and estimated costs, allowing you to make an informed decision on the best route based on the current gas prices.

Possible Routes and Their Costs

Route 1: Via I-40 W and AZ-89 N

This route takes you through the scenic landscape of Northern Arizona. Starting from Albuquerque, you will head west on I-40 for approximately 329 miles until you reach the junction with AZ-89. From there, you will continue north on AZ-89 for about 114 miles, leading you straight into Prescott Valley.

The total distance of this route is approximately 443 miles. Depending on your vehicle's fuel efficiency, current gas prices, and the average cost of gas on this route, we can estimate the cost.

Considering the average fuel efficiency of a standard car as 25 miles per gallon (MPG) and a conservative estimate of gas prices at $3.00 per gallon, the estimated cost for this route would be:

Total Miles / Fuel Efficiency * Gas Price per Gallon = Estimated Cost 443 / 25 * $3.00 = $53.52

Therefore, taking Route 1 would cost approximately $53.52 in fuel expenses.

Route 2: Via I-40 W, I-17 S, and AZ-69 S

If you prefer a slightly longer drive but enjoy a diverse range of landscapes, Route 2 might be the one for you. Starting from Albuquerque, you will take I-40 west, covering the same initial stretch as Route 1. However, instead of turning north onto AZ-89, you will continue west until you reach I-17. Taking I-17 south for approximately 125 miles, you will then exit onto AZ-69, leading you southeast directly to Prescott Valley.

This route is a bit longer, with a total distance of around 455 miles. Let's calculate the estimated cost based on the same assumptions of average fuel efficiency and gas prices:

Total Miles / Fuel Efficiency * Gas Price per Gallon = Estimated Cost 455 / 25 * $3.00 = $54.60

Therefore, taking Route 2 would cost approximately $54.60 in fuel expenses.

Route 3: Via AZ-60 W and AZ-89A S

If you're looking for a more adventurous drive through dramatic landscapes, consider Route 3. Starting from Albuquerque, you will head south on I-25 and then take exit 158 onto US-60 west. Continuing west on AZ-60, you will eventually reach the junction with AZ-89A. Taking AZ-89A south, you will wind through beautiful mountain ranges and arrive in Prescott Valley.

This route has a total distance of around 421 miles. Using our previous assumptions, let's calculate the estimated cost:

Total Miles / Fuel Efficiency * Gas Price per Gallon = Estimated Cost 421 / 25 * $3.00 = $50.52

Therefore, taking Route 3 would cost approximately $50.52 in fuel expenses.

Recommendation: The Best Route

Based on the estimated costs and distances, the most economical route for your trip between Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Prescott Valley, Arizona, would be Route 3 via AZ-60 W and AZ-89A S. This route not only offers an opportunity to experience stunning landscapes but also helps you save on fuel expenses.

Conclusion

Embarking on a trip between Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Prescott Valley, Arizona, by car allows you to explore different routes and enjoy the scenic beauty of the Southwest United States. After evaluating the possible routes and their associated costs, Route 3 via AZ-60 W and AZ-89A S emerges as the most economical choice, costing approximately $50.52 in fuel expenses. Keep in mind that these estimates are based on current gas prices, average fuel efficiency, and the total distance for each route.

Enjoy your journey and take the time to make memories along the way, knowing that you've made an informed decision regarding the cost of your trip. Safe travels!