The Cost of a Road Trip Between Austin and Mission, Texas: A Comprehensive Guide
Are you planning a road trip from Austin, Texas to Mission, Texas? Whether you're visiting friends and family or just taking a much-needed vacation, it's crucial to factor in the cost of your travels. In this guide, we'll break down the different possible routes, the estimated cost, and the distance of each one.
Possible Routes from Austin to Mission
Before we delve into the cost of each route, let's first look into the possible roads you can take from Austin to Mission, Texas.
I-35 S and I-37 S - This is the most direct route to get to Mission from Austin, taking approximately 4 hours and 25 minutes. You will start off on I-35 S and then shift to I-37 S at San Antonio. This route covers a total distance of 292 miles and is one of the fastest ways to get to Mission.
US-281 S - If you don't want to take the interstate, you can opt to take US-281 S, which passes through many small towns and scenic areas. This route spans 322 miles and should take about 5 hours and 40 minutes.
US-183 S and US-281 S - Another alternative is to go through US-183 S and then US-281 S, which takes about 6 hours and 10 minutes. This route covers a total distance of 355 miles and is a good option if you're looking to do some sightseeing while on the road.
Estimated Cost of the Trip
The cost of your road trip will depend on various factors, including the distance you'll drive, the price of gas, meals, and lodging expenses. Here is an estimated cost for each possible route:
I-35 S and I-37 S
If you choose to take I-35 S and I-37 S, you will need to cover a distance of 292 miles. The cost of gas per gallon on this route is approximately $2.48. Assuming your car gets 25 miles per gallon, you will use up 11.68 gallons of gas. Therefore, the total cost of gas will be around $29.
If we add the cost of food and lodging, which largely depends on the stops you make, it can range from $70 to $150 per day. Assuming you spend two days on the road, the total cost will be between $168 to $348.
US-281 S
If you prefer to take US-281 S, you will cover 322 miles. The price of gas along this route averages at around $2.72 per gallon, so if you have a car that does 25 miles per gallon, you will use approximately 12.88 gallons of gas. The total cost of gas will come to around $35.
Again, the cost of food and lodging will vary depending on the number of stops you make, but it can be anywhere between $70 to $150 per day. Assuming you spend two days on the road, the total cost will range between $168 to $348.
US-183 S and US-281 S
If you choose to drive through US-183 S and then US-281 S, the distance you'll need to cover is 355 miles. This route has a similar gas cost of around $2.72 per gallon. Assuming your car gets 25 miles per gallon, you'll use approximately 14.2 gallons of gas. The total cost of gas on this route will come to around $39.
As always, the cost of food and lodging will depend on your stops and itinerary. On average, it can cost between $70 to $150 per day. Assuming you spend two days on the road, the total cost will be between $168 to $348.
Which Route is the Best?
The best route to take will depend on your preferences and priorities in a road trip. If you prioritize a shorter travel time, then I-35 S and I-37 S is perfect for you, as you'll be able to cut your travel time to half compared to using US-281 S. This route is also great if you want to avoid getting lost since it only consists of two roads.
If you're looking to take the scenic route, and don't mind driving for long hours, the US-183 S and US-281S route is perfect for you. You'll have the chance to see the beautiful Texas countryside and stop at historical landmarks along the way.
For those who prefer a balance between travel time and sightseeing, the US-281 S route is the ideal option. This route takes a bit longer, but it offers a few refreshing stops like the Hill Country State Natural Area and Frio Canyon Motorcycle Stop.
In Conclusion
Traveling from Austin to Mission, Texas can be an amazing adventure if you factor in the cost ahead of time. Based on our estimates, using any of these routes will cost you between $200 to $700 dollars. So remember to plan well, know your limitations, and above all, enjoy the adventure.