The Cost of a Road Trip from Amarillo, Texas to Russellville, Arkansas

If you are planning a road trip from Amarillo, Texas to Russellville, Arkansas, you are in for a treat! This journey will take you through some of the most scenic roads in Texas and Arkansas. However, before you hit the road, you must calculate the cost of your trip. In this article, we will break down the different routes and their costs to help you decide which route to take.

The Routes

There are three primary routes you can take to get to Russellville, Arkansas from Amarillo, Texas.

Route 1: Amarillo, TX to Russellville, AR via US-287 N

This route is the shortest in terms of distance, covering around 469 miles. However, it takes around 8 hours and 30 minutes to complete due to the winding roads and mountainous terrain. The route passes through major cities like Wichita Falls, Vernon, and Childress in Texas before entering Oklahoma. In Oklahoma, you will pass through towns like Cheyenne, Strong City, and Woodward before entering Kansas, where you will pass through Kiowa and St. John. Finally, you will enter Arkansas through Rogers, continue through Mountainburg, Dyer, and Van Buren, before reaching Russellville.

Route 2: Amarillo, TX to Russellville, AR via I-40 E

This route is longer than Route 1, covering approximately 546 miles. Nonetheless, it allows for faster travel times, taking around 8 hours and 45 minutes to complete. The route passes through major cities like Oklahoma City, Tulsa, and Fort Smith. You will pass through Texas towns like McLean, Shamrock, and Elk City before entering Oklahoma. In Oklahoma, you will pass through Weatherford, Hydro, and Elk City before finally entering Arkansas through Fort Smith. You will then continue through Ozark, Clarksville, and Morrilton before reaching Russellville.

Route 3: Amarillo, TX to Russellville, AR via US-287 N and I-40 E

This route is a combination of Route 1 and Route 2, covering around 536 miles. It takes around 8 hours and 45 minutes to complete, similar to Route 2. The route passes through the same cities and towns as Route 1 and Route 2, except that you enter Arkansas through Fort Smith. You will then continue through the same towns as Route 2, eventually reaching Russellville.

The Costs

The cost of your road trip depends on several factors, such as fuel prices, your vehicle's fuel efficiency, and tolls. However, we can estimate the costs by using average fuel prices and assuming your vehicle gets around 25 miles per gallon. Here are the estimated costs for each route:

Route 1: Amarillo, TX to Russellville, AR via US-287 N

Assuming fuel prices of around $2.70 per gallon, you will spend approximately $64 on fuel for this route.

Route 2: Amarillo, TX to Russellville, AR via I-40 E

Assuming fuel prices of around $2.70 per gallon, you will spend approximately $77 on fuel for this route.

Route 3: Amarillo, TX to Russellville, AR via US-287 N and I-40 E

Assuming fuel prices of around $2.70 per gallon, you will spend approximately $74 on fuel for this route.

Note that if you encounter tolls, they will add to the overall cost of your trip.

The Best Route

The best route for you depends on several factors, such as your comfort level with winding, mountainous roads, and your travel time preferences. However, if you are looking for the shortest, most scenic route, Route 1 is your best bet. If you prefer faster travel times and do not mind the longer distance, Route 2 is the way to go. If you want a balance between distance and travel time, Route 3 is a good choice.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the road trip from Amarillo, Texas, to Russellville, Arkansas, offers some amazing vistas and scenic spots, making it a memorable journey. You have three primary routes to choose from, each with its advantages. The estimated costs for each route are reasonable, considering the distance and the fuel efficiency of an average vehicle. By evaluating the factors mentioned above, you can choose the best route for you and your travel companions. Safe travels!