Driving Cost from Big Spring, Texas to Ballinger, Texas

A picture depicting a gas pump

The Cost of a Trip between Big Spring, Texas and Ballinger, Texas: Navigating Gas Prices

Traveling between Big Spring, Texas, and Ballinger, Texas, can be an adventure for those who want to explore the local scenery, but it can also be a major headache for those who are on a budget. The biggest expense when traveling by car is usually fuel cost, considering that the distance between the two cities is roughly 100 miles. Therefore, it is important to consider the different possible routes and their effects on the cost of a trip. This article will highlight each possible route, their associated costs and distances, and make a recommendation for the best route to take in light of current gas prices.

Route 1: US-87 via San Angelo

The most direct route between Big Spring and Ballinger is US-87 via San Angelo. The route will take you through the heart of San Angelo, a city known for its museums, art galleries, and numerous parks. To get to Ballinger from Big Spring using this route, the drive will take approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes. The distance between the two cities on this route is 104 miles.

Although this is the most direct route, the cost of gas on this route may be higher than other routes. As of August 2021, the average gas price in San Angelo is $2.70, and in Ballinger, it is $2.60. This equates to a cost of approximately $28 for the round trip between Big Spring and Ballinger.

Route 2: TX-158 via Sterling City

TX-158 via Sterling City is an alternative route for those traveling between Big Spring and Ballinger. This route is longer than Route 1, and it will take you approximately 2 and a half hours to get from Big Spring to Ballinger. However, this route can be cheaper for those seeking to save money on fuel costs.

The total distance between Big Spring and Ballinger via TX-158 is 112 miles. The average gas price in Sterling City, the halfway point of this route, as of August 2021, is $2.50. Assuming that you fill your tank both before departing from Big Spring and before returning, you will be spending approximately $24 on fuel for the round trip between Big Spring and Ballinger.

Route 3: I-20 and TX-158 via Robert Lee

The third possible route for traveling between Big Spring and Ballinger is to follow I-20 to Robert Lee and then proceed to Ballinger via TX-158. This route will take you through Robert Lee, a town with a rich history and various local attractions.

This route is slightly longer than Route 2, but your fuel expenses may be on par with this option or even cheaper. The total distance between Big Spring and Ballinger via this route is 120 miles. The cost of gas in Robert Lee as of August 2021 is $2.50. Assuming you fill your tank 2 times during the round trip, you will spend about $28 for fuel.

In light of current gas prices, Route 2 seems to be the best option. TX-158 via Sterling City offers an opportunity to save money on fuel expenses while still getting to your destination in a reasonable time. Although this route is longer than other routes, it shouldn't significantly impact your travel time.

Assuming you drive a car that averages 25 miles per gallon (MPG), which is the average MPG for cars in the U.S., the cost of fuel for the trip between Big Spring and Ballinger is around $0.10 per mile. Therefore, the total cost for gas for the round trip is $24 using Route 2 and $28 on routes 1 and 3.

It is worth noting that road conditions can also affect the fuel economy of your vehicle, thus increasing or reducing fuel costs beyond theoretical estimates. Always take caution when traveling for long distances and make sure your vehicle is in good condition before starting your journey.

Conclusion

The cost of a round trip between Big Spring, Texas, and Ballinger, Texas, depends on the route you take and the current price of gas. Route 2 via TX-158 through Sterling City offers a good balance between distance, fuel consumption, and time. The total distance of this route is 112 miles, and gas prices in Sterling City is relatively low compared to prices in San Angelo or Robert Lee. Although this route is longer than Route 1 or Route 3, it is less expensive in terms of fuel costs. Driving at a leisurely pace, you can cover this distance in approximately two and a half hours. All in all, the cost of your road trip will depend on your route, vehicle, travel time, and your traveling style and budget.