How Much Will it Cost to Drive from Austin, Texas to Scottsdale, Arizona?

Are you planning a road trip from Austin, Texas to Scottsdale, Arizona? It's a beautiful drive with plenty of stunning scenery along the way. However, before you hit the road, you must know how much it's going to cost you. I did some research on current gas prices and toll fees, and in this post, I will break down the different routes you can take and their related costs.

Route 1: I-10 W

If you opt for Route 1, which takes you through San Antonio, El Paso, and Tucson, the total distance you'll cover is approximately 1066 miles. It takes around 16 hours to drive non-stop, but I suggest stopping at some of the major cities to break up the drive. The cost of gas (using the current average gas price of $2.85 per gallon) for this route would be around $206. Additionally, there are toll fee charges in Texas and Arizona, with the total cost of tolls being approximately $38. So in total, Route 1 would cost you around $244.

Route 2: I-40 W

Route 2 takes a more northerly path, driving through Albuquerque and Flagstaff. The total distance is approximately 1277 miles, and the drive takes about 19 hours non-stop. For this route, the gas cost (using the same average gas price) would be around $235. There are several toll roads along the way, including the Oklahoma Turnpike, which has a total cost of about $11 and tolls in Arizona with a total cost of approximately $28. Thus, Route 2 would cost you around $274.

Route 3: I-20 W and I-10 W

Route 3 is the longest route of the three, but it does offer a more southerly path through Texas. The total distance is approximately 1418 miles, and the non-stop drive takes about 21 hours. The gas cost for this route would be around $258. There are no tolls along this route, which makes it the cheapest option. So Route 3 would cost you around $258.

Final Thoughts

There are several routes to choose from when driving from Austin, Texas to Scottsdale, Arizona. The route you take ultimately depends on the direction you want to go and what you want to see along the way. Regardless of the route you choose, gas and toll expenses will be your biggest costs. So, while planning your trip, don't forget to factor in these costs and any additional expenses like accommodation and food to help you budget accordingly. Safe travels!