Cutting Costs on Your Next Road Trip: Aurora, CO to Knoxville, TN
Are you planning a road trip from Aurora, Colorado to Knoxville, Tennessee? With so many options and potential routes to choose from, it can be overwhelming to plan out the best one. In this blog post, we’ll break down the most cost-efficient routes along with their distance, time travel, gas prices, and toll prices to help minimize your travel expenses.
Route One: I-70 through Kansas City, Missouri
- Distance: 1303 miles
- Time: ~19 hours
- Gas Estimate: $160
- Tolls: $38.50
This route takes you through the heartland of America and is the shortest driving distance to Tennessee. Keep in mind that gas prices will vary depending on the time of year and specific locations. However, the average gas price per gallon in Missouri is $2.30 while Kansas has a gas price of $2.40. Entering into Tennessee, the gas price per gallon increases to $2.58. Make sure to fill up when driving through Missouri and Kansas as it will help save money on gas expenses.
Route Two: I-80 through Omaha, Nebraska
- Distance: 1489 miles
- Time: ~22 hours
- Gas Estimate: $291
- Tolls: $12
This route takes you through West, South-west of USA, then East before turning South toward Tennessee. It is approximately 200 miles longer than Route One but offers a more scenic view of America. Starting in Aurora, Colorado, and driving to Omaha, Nebraska will give you an opportunity to stop by popular tourist attractions such as the Rocky Mountains and Corn Palace. Gas prices along this route average $2.31 in Nebraska and $2.50 in Iowa. Entering into Tennessee, you may expect to pay up to $2.58 per gallon.
Route Three: I-40 through Albuquerque, New Mexico
- Distance: 1608 miles
- Time: ~23 hours
- Gas Estimate: $307
- Tolls: $0
This route is the longest, but it offers a unique view of the Southwest region of the United States. It goes through Colorado, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Tennessee. Starting in Aurora, Colorado, driving to Albuquerque, New Mexico, might be worth the extra miles if you want to stop at popular tourist sites like the Grand Canyon or the Four Corners Monument. The average gas price in New Mexico is $2.41, while in Oklahoma, it is $2.14, and in Tennessee, it is $2.58.
Regardless of the route you select, the cost of your trip will depend on several factors. These estimates help you quickly compare the cost of different routes. While a few dollars here and there may not seem significant, planning, and optimizing your trip with the most cost-effective routes, gas stations, and toll booths can save you hundreds of dollars over time.
We hope this post has given you a better idea of what to expect during a road trip to Knoxville, Tennessee, from Aurora, Colorado. Happy travels!