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

Driving from Austin, Texas to Ann Arbor, Michigan can be a lengthy trip, but it can also be a great opportunity to explore parts of the country you may not otherwise get to see. Before hitting the road, it's essential to consider the cost of the trip. The main expenses, as you might imagine, are gasoline and toll fees. In this post, we'll cover the routes, distances, and costs associated with driving from Austin, Texas, to Ann Arbor, Michigan based on current gas prices.

Route 1: The Shortest Route

The first route you might consider taking is the shortest. It starts on I-35 N and goes all the way north towards I-94 E. This route means driving through Oklahoma City, Kansas City, St. Louis, and Indianapolis, totaling approximately 1140 miles.

Assuming you're driving a car that gets an average of 20 miles per gallon, you'll need about 57 gallons of gas to make the trip, costing you roughly $200 (based on current gas prices of $3.50 a gallon).

This route has about 12 tolls, which will cost you approximately $30.

The time it would take you to complete this route is roughly 16 hours without any stops.

Route 2: A Scenic Option

The second route is around 200 miles longer than the first, but it provides better scenery for a road trip. You should travel on I-35 N, then merge onto US-71 N near Kansas City, then merge onto I-70 E in Missouri. Drive into Ohio until you come into I-75 N in Dayton, then finally merge onto I-94 E in Michigan towards Ann Arbor.

This route goes through cities such as Oklahoma City, Kansas City, Indianapolis, Toledo, and Detroit, totaling about 1336 miles.

Assuming you're driving a car that gets an average of 20 miles per gallon, you'll need approximately 67 gallons of gas, which is estimated to cost about $235 (based on current gas prices of $3.50 a gallon).

This route has about 14 tolls which will cost you approximately $34.

The time it will take you to complete this route is roughly 19 hours, assuming you don’t make any stops.

Route 3: The Longest Route

The third route is the longest and may not be desirable for some people. This route will take you from Austin, Texas, to nearby Dallas, and will continue on I-35 N to Kansas City, St. Louis, Indianapolis, and finally Ann Arbor, Michigan.

This route is the longest, about 1440 miles in total. However, with distance comes the possibility of a lower gas price at some gas stations along the way. Assuming you're driving an average car that gets 20 miles per gallon, you'll need around 72 gallons of gas which will cost approximately $252 (based on current gas prices of $3.50 a gallon).

This route has slightly more tolls than the first route with approximately 13. The total tolls cost roughly $27.

The time it will take you to complete this route is roughly 22 hours, and that’s without making any stops.

Conclusion

Now that you know the cost of each route, choose one according to your needs and budget. If you're looking for a shorter and more straightforward route, then the first route might be your best choice. But if you have some extra time and want a more scenic journey, then the second route might be your favorite option. And, if you aren't scared of long roads, choose the third route to make the most out of your time spent on the road.

So, pack your bags, check your car’s tires, and start driving!