The Cost of Driving From Ann Arbor, Michigan to Austin, Texas

Oh, the joys of a road trip. Selecting music, bringing snacks, stopping for pictures and enjoying the sights. If you're thinking of making the drive from Ann Arbor, Michigan, down to Austin, Texas, there's more to consider than just your travel itinerary. You'll need to plan out your route, how long it will take, and what your fuel expenses will be specifically based on current gas prices. Here's what you need to know about the cost of driving:

Route 1: I-65 S and I-10 W

The most direct route to get from Michigan to Texas is to take I-65 S and I-10 W. Highway I-65 S runs from Gary, Indiana, down to Mobile, Alabama while I-10 W heads west from Pensacola, Florida to Santa Monica, California, passing through New Orleans, Houston and San Antonio. The total distance of this journey is 1,150 miles, and the driving time is approximately 17 hours.

With current gas prices at $2.50 per gallon and the standard fuel efficiency of a mid-size car at 25 miles per gallon, the cost of gasoline for this route adds up to $115.00. Additionally, tolls along the way must be taken into account with a total of $42.50 in tolls between Ohio, Indiana, and Texas. The total cost of this route would be around $157.50 in fuel and tolls alone.

Route 2: I-69 S and I-35 S

Another option to travel from Michigan to Texas is by taking I-69 S and I-35 S. I-69 S runs from Flint, Michigan to the Mexican border near Laredo, Texas, while I-35 S runs from the Canadian border in Minnesota to Laredo, passing through Dallas, Waco, and Austin. With this route, the total driving distance is 1,250 miles, and the driving time is approximately 20 hours.

Based on current gas prices and fuel efficiency mentioned earlier, the cost of gasoline for this route is around $125.00. However, there are fewer tolls on this route with only one tollway in Texas, costing about $6.50. This route's total cost would be approximately $131.50 for fuel and tolls.

Route 3: Scenic Route

Lastly, you could try the scenic route, which takes you through some beautiful countryside. The route takes you on US-27 S through Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, and then you can continue on I-75 S towards Mobile, Alabama where you would then take I-10 W towards Texas. This route is the longest at 1,610 miles, but it's also the most scenic, with beautiful rolling hills and forests, and plenty of picture-perfect stops. The driving time for this route is approximately 24 hours.

Like the other routes, the cost of gas based on today's prices would be around $160.50. There are also several tollways on this route, with toll expenses incurred throughout several states totaling around $40.00. The total cost of this route would be around $200 for fuel and tolls.

Final Thoughts

Choosing your route based on your timeline, your car's fuel efficiency and the current price of gas and tolls is imperative when you're deciding whether to drive from Michigan to Texas. Remember that the cost of traveling may shift depending on the time of year, so re-evaluating expenses before you depart is a solid move, and it's always a good idea to implement appropriate travel safety measures. But above all, buckle up and enjoy the ride!