Driving Cost from Alton, Texas to Elsa, Texas

A picture depicting a gas pump

The Cost of a Trip between Alton and Elsa: A Guide to Route Options and Gas Prices

If you're planning a trip from Alton, Texas to Elsa, Texas, it's important to take into account the cost of gas, which can vary greatly depending on your route and the current market prices. In this guide, we'll explore the different routes you can take, highlight the distance and cost of each one, and ultimately recommend the best route based on current gas prices.

Route Options

There are a few different route options you can take when traveling between Alton and Elsa, including:

  • US-281 N: This route will take you directly from Alton to Elsa via US-281 N. The distance is just over 20 miles.
  • I-2 W and US-281 N: This route takes a slightly longer path, using I-2 W and US-281 N to get to Elsa. The distance is 23.5 miles.
  • FM1015 N and FM88 W: This route takes you from Alton to Elsa via FM1015 N and FM88 W. The distance is 21.2 miles.

Each of these routes has its pros and cons in terms of cost and time. Let's take a closer look at each one.

US-281 N: Pros and Cons

The most direct route from Alton to Elsa is via US-281 N, which covers just over 20 miles. This route has several advantages, including:

  • It's the shortest distance between the two towns, which means less gas will be used overall.
  • It's a straightforward path that's easy to follow.

There are also some downsides to taking this route, including:

  • US-281 N can be a busy highway, especially during peak traffic hours. This can slow down travel times and increase gas usage.
  • There are no rest stops or gas stations along the way, which means you'll need to make sure you have enough gas to get from one town to the other.

I-2 W and US-281 N: Pros and Cons

Another option when traveling from Alton to Elsa is to take I-2 W and US-281 N. This route is slightly longer than the direct US-281 N route, covering 23.5 miles. However, it does have some benefits, including:

  • I-2 W is a well-maintained highway that's designed for efficient travel.
  • Along the way, there are rest stops and gas stations where you can refuel and take breaks if needed.

However, there are some drawbacks to this route, including:

  • It takes longer than the direct route, which can increase gas usage.
  • Some drivers may not be comfortable driving on I-2 W, especially if they're not used to highway speeds or heavy traffic.

FM1015 N and FM88 W: Pros and Cons

A third option when traveling from Alton to Elsa is to take FM1015 N and FM88 W. This route covers 21.2 miles and has some advantages, including:

  • It's a scenic route that takes you through rural areas of Texas.
  • There are several gas stations and rest stops along the way.

However, there are also some downsides to this route, including:

  • It may take longer than the direct route due to slower speeds on FM1015 N and FM88 W.
  • This route may not be the best choice for drivers who prefer to take highways or avoid winding roads.

Gas Prices and Cost Comparison

The cost of gas can greatly impact the total cost of your trip from Alton to Elsa. As of June 2022, the average cost of gas in Texas is $2.81 per gallon. Based on this cost, here's a breakdown of how much you can expect to spend on gas for each route:

  • US-281 N: This route is just over 20 miles, which means you'll use about one gallon of gas. At $2.81 per gallon, you can expect to spend around $2.81 on this route.
  • I-2 W and US-281 N: This route is slightly longer, covering 23.5 miles, which means you'll use just under one and a half gallons of gas. At $2.81 per gallon, you can expect to spend around $4.22 on this route.
  • FM1015 N and FM88 W: This route covers 21.2 miles, which means you'll use just under one gallon of gas. At $2.81 per gallon, you can expect to spend around $2.81 on this route.

As you can see, the cost difference between these routes isn't significant. However, it's important to take into account other factors, such as travel time and road conditions, when deciding which route to take.

Based on current gas prices and the pros and cons of each route, we recommend taking US-281 N as the most direct and cost-efficient option. While this route may be busy and lack gas stations along the way, it provides the shortest distance and will save you a few dollars in gas expenses.

However, if you prefer to take a slightly longer route with rest stops and gas stations available, I-2 W and US-281 N may be the better choice for you.

Conclusion

When planning a trip from Alton to Elsa, it's important to factor in the cost of gas and weigh the pros and cons of each route option. While there are several choices available, the most direct route via US-281 N is the most cost-efficient, although it may not be suitable for all drivers. Whatever route you choose, make sure to drive safely and enjoy the journey.