The Cost of a Trip Between Auburn Hills and Grand Ledge: Finding the Cheapest Route Based on Current Gas Prices

Taking a trip between Auburn Hills and Grand Ledge can be an exciting adventure, but it can also be expensive. Whether you’re planning a family vacation, a business trip, or a weekend getaway, you’ll need to consider the cost of transportation. In this article, we will explore the different possible routes and highlight the cost and distance of each one. We will also recommend the best route based on current gas prices.

Different Possible Routes

Before we start analyzing the cost of different routes, it's important to note that the distance between Auburn Hills and Grand Ledge is approximately 81 miles. There are a few different possible routes when driving between these two locations, and each route has its advantages and disadvantages. Let's explore each of them in more detail.

Route 1: I-96 W

The first possible route is I-96 W, which goes through Lansing. This route is the shortest one, as it covers a distance of approximately 80 miles. However, it has a toll of $1.50, which can add to your overall cost. Additionally, driving through Lansing can be time-consuming, especially during rush hours. Overall, this is the fastest and most convenient route for those who don't mind the toll and are willing to face some traffic.

Route 2: US-23 N and I-69 W

The second possible route is US-23 N and I-69 W, which is longer, covering a total distance of approximately 86 miles. However, this route doesn't have any tolls, which can make it more cost-effective. The downside is that it can also be slower, especially with traffic on I-69 W. This route can be a good option for those looking to avoid tolls and don't mind spending extra time on the road.

Route 3: M-24 N and I-69 W

The third possible route is M-24 N and I-69 W, which is the longest one, covering a total distance of approximately 89 miles. However, this route doesn't have any tolls like the previous route, which can make it cost-effective. The downside is that it can be the slowest route due to M-24 N having heavy traffic during rush hours. This route can be a good option for those who want to avoid tolls and are willing to spend extra time on the road.

Cost Analysis

Now that we've explored each of the possible routes in more detail, let's analyze the cost of each one based on the current gas prices. According to GasBuddy, the average gas price in Michigan as of October 2021 is $3.20 per gallon. We will also assume that your vehicle has an average fuel economy of 25 miles per gallon.

Route 1: I-96 W

The total distance of this route is approximately 80 miles, which means you'll need 3.2 gallons of gas one way. With an average gas price of $3.20 per gallon, the total cost of gas for this route is $10.24. Additionally, there is a toll of $1.50 each way, which brings the total cost of this route to $13.24.

Route 2: US-23 N and I-69 W

The total distance of this route is approximately 86 miles, which means you'll need 3.44 gallons of gas one way. With an average gas price of $3.20 per gallon, the total cost of gas for this route is $11.01. As there is no toll to pay, the total cost of this route is $11.01.

Route 3: M-24 N and I-69 W

The total distance of this route is approximately 89 miles, which means you'll need 3.56 gallons of gas one way. With an average gas price of $3.20 per gallon, the total cost of gas for this route is $11.39. As there is no toll to pay, the total cost of this route is $11.39.

Recommendation

After analyzing the cost of each route based on current gas prices, we recommend taking Route 2: US-23 N and I-69 W. This route is the most cost-effective and won't require any tolls. While it may be slower due to traffic, you'll save money on gas, which can add up over time.

Conclusion

Taking a trip between Auburn Hills and Grand Ledge can be costly, especially if you don't plan accordingly. By analyzing the cost of each possible route, you can save money and make the most informed decision about your trip. We recommend taking Route 2: US-23 N and I-69 W due to its cost-effectiveness. With an overall cost of $11.01 and a total distance of approximately 86 miles, this route is the most economical choice. Plan ahead, follow these recommendations, and enjoy your trip!