The Cost of a Trip Between Bedford, Texas and Waco, Texas

As gas prices continue to fluctuate, many people wonder what the cost of a long-distance trip will be. This article will outline the cost of a trip between Bedford, Texas and Waco, Texas. We will look at the various routes available, and provide information on the cost and distance of each.

The Different Routes

There are several different routes you can take between Bedford and Waco. The most commonly used ones are:

Route 1: I-35 S

This is the most direct and popular route between Bedford and Waco, covering a distance of approximately 97.6 miles. The estimated driving time is around 1 hour and 33 minutes. To take this route, you start from Bedford heading south on I-35W S. Stay on I-35W S until it merges with I-35 S, which goes all the way to Waco.

Route 2: TX-174 and I-35 S

Another route you can take is to use TX-174 and I-35 S. The distance is approximately 102.4 miles, and driving time is around 1 hour and 40 minutes. To take this route, start from Bedford going south on Forest Ridge Dr, then turn right onto Brown Trail. After that, turn left onto Forest Ridge Dr, then right onto Bedford Rd. Continue straight onto TX-121 S and merge onto TX-360 S. Use the left lane to merge onto I-20 W towards Fort Worth. From there, merge onto I-35W S and continue south until it merges with I-35 S on the way to Waco.

Route 3: US-67 S and I-35 S

This is a more scenic route that takes you through some picturesque Texas towns. It covers a distance of around 135 miles, so you have to be prepared for a longer drive. The estimated driving time is approximately 2 hours and 21 minutes. To take this route, start from Bedford heading south on Forest Ridge Dr. Turn right onto Brown Trail, then left onto Forest Ridge Dr. Continue straight onto TX-121 S and merge onto TX-360 S. Use the left lane to merge onto I-20 W towards Fort Worth. Take exit #409B/Alemeda St to get onto US-287 S/US-67 S towards Cleburne. Merge onto US-67 S, then continue on US-67 S until it merges with I-35 S.

The Cost of Each Route

The cost of your trip will depend not just on the distance but also on gas prices in your area. As of September 2021, the average gas price in Texas is $2.96 per gallon. Here's a breakdown of the cost of the different routes, based on the average cost of gas:

Route 1: I-35 S

To cover the 97.6-mile distance between Bedford and Waco via I-35 S, you'll need around 2.5 gallons of gas. This translates to around $7.40 in fuel costs.

Route 2: TX-174 and I-35 S

The distance of 102.4 miles takes around 2.7 gallons of gas, costing you around $8.

Route 3: US-67 S and I-35 S

With a distance of 135 miles, the longest route also requires more gas, around 3.6 gallons, which will set you back around $10.70.

It's worth noting that these are just estimates, and the actual cost of your trip may vary based on your car's make and model, driving habits, and fluctuations in gas prices.

The Best Route

Considering both the distance and cost, Route 1 (I-35 S) is the best overall route for the trip between Bedford and Waco. Not only is it the most direct route, but it also has the lowest cost and the shortest driving time. However, the other two routes may have their advantages. For instance, Route 3 may be worth taking if you want to enjoy a more scenic route.

Conclusion

When planning a trip between Bedford and Waco, it's essential to consider the various routes available and their costs. The best overall option is usually the most direct one, but there may be other factors such as scenic views that may make you opt for a longer route. Ultimately, the cost of your trip will depend on gas prices and your car's fuel efficiency. Planning ahead for gas budgeting will make the trip more enjoyable without worrying too much about how much you're spending. Safe travels!