The Cost of a Trip between Arvada and Longmont: Analyzing the Best Route Based on Gas Prices

When planning a trip between Arvada, Colorado, and Longmont, Colorado, it's crucial to consider the potential routes and their respective costs. While you may be tempted to take the shortest route, it may not always be the most cost-effective. This article will analyze the cost of the trip based on current gas prices, outlining the different possible routes and highlighting the distance and associated costs of each one. Ultimately, we'll recommend the best route and provide a conclusion discussing the duration of the trip.

Route 1: The Direct Route

The most direct route between Arvada and Longmont is along Highway 287. The distance between the two cities is roughly 20 miles, and the estimated driving time without traffic is 35 minutes.

The cost of fuel for this route will depend on the make and model of your vehicle, as well as current gas prices. As of this writing, the average price for a gallon of regular gasoline in Colorado is $3.25. This means that a round trip between the two cities would cost roughly $13 - assuming you don't hit any traffic, and your vehicle gets around 25 miles per gallon.

Route 2: The Scenic Route

There is another route between Arvada and Longmont which may be worth considering. This route takes you through scenic Boulder, Colorado, and includes a drive along the famed Boulder Creek. While this route is roughly 25 miles and may take slightly longer to complete, it's a good option if you want to enjoy some breathtaking views along the way.

The cost of fuel for this route will also depend on the make and model of your vehicle, as well as gas prices. Assuming you get around 25 miles per gallon and current gas prices, a round trip along this route would cost roughly $16-$18.

Route 3: The Toll Road

Another route to consider is taking Highway 36, which is a toll road that runs between Boulder and Denver. This route is approximately 27 miles long and may shave some time off your travel, as the road has a speed limit of 75 miles per hour. It's worth noting, however, that the tolls for this road can add up quickly and may not be the most cost-effective option.

Assuming you have an Express Toll account and pay the $8 round trip fare, the total cost of fuel and tolls for this route would be around $23.

Route 4: The Interstate Route

The Interstate Route is the longest route out of all the routes described above. It is 46 miles between Arvada and Longmont. It is also the most scenic route of them all.

The cost of fuel for this route will depend on the make and model of your vehicle, as well as current gas prices. As of this writing, the average price for a gallon of regular gasoline in Colorado is $3.25. This means that a round trip between the two cities would cost roughly $30 - assuming you don't hit any traffic, and your vehicle gets around 25 miles per gallon.

Conclusion

In conclusion, choosing the best route between Arvada and Longmont should depend on your preference and budget. However, we recommend the direct route along Highway 287, which has a total distance of 20 miles between Arvada and Longmont. The direct route is the shortest and most cost-effective option, and it estimates a total cost of roughly $13 for fuel alone. If you're in a rush, the toll road on Highway 36 may speed things up slightly, but it's worth considering the additional cost of tolls when making your decision. Ultimately, you will have to take several aspects into account like current gas prices, tolls fees, driving distance and time, and sights along the trip.