The Cost of a Trip Between Austin, Texas and Fairfield, Texas

Traveling between Austin and Fairfield, two cities in Texas, can be an unpredictable task, especially when it comes to cost. As we will see, the route chosen and various factors can influence the cost of a trip. In this article, we will break down the different routes one can take, explore the costs and distances in each, and make a recommendation for the best route.

The Routes

There are several ways to go from Austin to Fairfield. The first option is via I-35 North and I-45 South, which is the most direct route, covering a distance of 132 miles. A second alternative is a bit longer, which is via US-290 West and TX-6 North, which covers a distance of 154 miles. The third option is via TX-21 East and TX-75 South, which covers a distance of around 155 miles.

Cost and Distances

Route 1 - I-35 North and I-45 South

The most direct route is via I-35 North and I-45 South. This route covers around 132 miles and takes around 2 hours and 20 minutes to travel. Gas prices as of August 2021 are around $2.60 per gallon. On average, a car can travel about 25 miles per gallon. By using these averages, we can calculate that a one-way trip would cost around $20.83 for gas. That said, the cost of a trip may vary depending on factors like traffic and the fuel efficiency of the car.

Route 2 - US-290 West and TX-6 North

The second option is via US-290 West and TX-6 North. This route is 22 miles longer than the first option, covering around 154 miles, and takes around 2 hours and 50 minutes to travel. The cost of gas would be higher, around $24.63 for a one-way trip, which is approximately $3.80 more expensive than route 1. This calculation is based on the same $2.60 per gallon gas price and average fuel efficiency.

Route 3 - TX-21 East and TX-75 South

The third and final option is via TX-21 East and TX-75 South, covering approximately 155 miles. By using the same gas price and average fuel efficiency, we can estimate that a one-way trip would cost around $24.59 for gas. This third option is equally as expensive as the second.

Recommendations

After considering various routes and their distances and costs, the most recommended route is Route 1 via I-35 North and I-45 South. It is the most direct route, meaning it covers the shortest distance and requires less travel time than the other options. It is also the least expensive when it comes to gas prices, making it a budget-friendly option for travelers who want to save money without compromising on the trip's quality.

Conclusion

Overall, the cheapest route, based on current gas prices as of August 2021 and average fuel efficiency, is via I-35 North and I-45 South. The route covers around 132 miles and can be completed in 2 hours and 20 minutes, making it a quick and affordable option for those on a budget. However, this is just an approximation, and several factors can influence the cost of a trip. Therefore, it is always advisable to keep an eye on the changing gas prices and be prepared to adjust the budget accordingly.