The Cost of Driving from Alexandria, Virginia to Kenner, Louisiana

If you're planning a road trip from Alexandria, Virginia to Kenner, Louisiana, you might be wondering about the cost of the journey. Gas prices and tolls can add up quickly, so it's important to compare your options. In this blog post, we'll break down the costs of different routes and help you find the most affordable option.

Route 1: I-81 S and I-10 W

If you take this route, you'll drive down I-81 S and then take I-10 W all the way to Kenner, Louisiana. According to Google Maps, this route is 1,171 miles long and takes around 19 hours and 20 minutes without stops.

When it comes to gas prices, you'll see a range of prices throughout the journey. However, according to GasBuddy, the average cost of regular gas in Virginia is currently $2.39 per gallon, while in Louisiana, it's $2.18 per gallon. Therefore, assuming an average fuel economy of 25 miles per gallon for your vehicle, you'll need 46.84 gallons for the trip, making the total cost of gas approximately $112.08.

Additionally, there are a few tolls along the way, including the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel and a section of the Florida Turnpike. In total, you can expect to pay around $22 in tolls.

Route 2: I-95 S and I-10 W

Another option is to take I-95 S and then join I-10 W towards Kenner. According to Google Maps, this route is 1,256 miles long and takes around 20 hours and 45 minutes without stops.

Gas prices along this route are similar to the previous route, but you'll need to fill up more frequently, as the journey is longer. Assuming the same average fuel economy, you'll need 50.24 gallons for the trip, making the total cost of gas approximately $120.10.

Tolls are slightly cheaper along this route, with only one toll on the Florida Turnpike. You can expect to pay around $3.50 in total for tolls.

Route 3: I-40 W and I-55 S

Finally, you could take a more westerly route by heading south on I-81 and then joining I-40 W towards Memphis, Tennessee. From there, you'll head south on I-55 S towards Kenner. According to Google Maps, this route is 1,332 miles long and takes around 21 hours and 40 minutes without stops.

Gas prices are likely to be lower along this route, with an average cost of $2.32 per gallon in Tennessee and $1.96 per gallon in Louisiana. Assuming the same fuel economy, you'll need 53.28 gallons for the trip, making the total cost of gas approximately $122.41.

There are no tolls along this route, which makes it the cheapest in terms of additional costs.

Conclusion

So, which route is the cheapest? Assuming current gas prices and toll rates, Route 3 is the cheapest at a total cost of around $122.41. Route 2 is a close second at approximately $123.60, while Route 1 is the most expensive at approximately $134.08.

However, it's important to remember that gas prices and tolls are subject to change, so it's worth checking the latest prices before setting off on your journey. Additionally, there may be other factors to consider when choosing a route, such as traffic conditions and scenic views. But hopefully, this breakdown has helped you in making the decision that works best for your budget and preferences. Happy driving!