The Cost of a Trip Between Billings, Montana and Cumberland, Maryland

If you're planning a road trip from Billings, Montana to Cumberland, Maryland, it's important to factor in the cost of travel. Gas prices can vary greatly depending on the route you take and the time of year. This article will examine the different possible routes, the cost and distance of each one, and recommend the best route based on current gas prices.

Possible Routes

There are several possible routes you can take from Billings, Montana to Cumberland, Maryland. The most direct route is to take I-90 East to I-94 East, and then I-80 East to I-76 East. You would then take I-70 East until you reach Cumberland, Maryland. This route is approximately 1916 miles and takes around 28 hours to complete.

Another option is to take a more southern route, which is approximately 2098 miles and takes around 31 hours to complete. This route takes you through Denver, Colorado, and then through Texas before heading north to Cumberland, Maryland.

A third option is to take a more northern route, which is approximately 2274 miles and takes around 34 hours to complete. This route takes you through Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and then south to Cumberland, Maryland.

Cost of Each Route

To determine the cost of each route, we need to take into account the average gas prices for each state and the total distance traveled. According to GasBuddy, the current average gas price in Montana is $3.03 per gallon, while the current average gas price in Maryland is $2.78 per gallon.

Direct Route

Assuming an average fuel economy of 25 miles per gallon, the direct route would require approximately 77 gallons of gas. At an average gas price of $3.03 in Montana and $2.78 in Maryland, the total cost of gas for this route would be around $283.98.

Southern Route

The southern route would require approximately 84 gallons of gas. At an average gas price of $3.03 in Montana and $2.78 in Maryland, the total cost of gas for this route would be around $308.52.

Northern Route

The northern route would require approximately 91 gallons of gas. At an average gas price of $3.03 in Montana and $2.78 in Maryland, the total cost of gas for this route would be around $334.98.

Recommended Route

Based on the cost of gas and the distance traveled, the most cost-effective route would be the direct route. While the southern and northern routes have their attractions, such as sightseeing opportunities and interesting stops, they are not as efficient for the purpose of traveling from Billings to Cumberland.

The direct route is also the quickest route, with an estimated travel time of 28 hours. Though it is a lengthy trip, it is the most cost-efficient and has the least amount of distractions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the cost of a trip from Billings, Montana to Cumberland, Maryland is reliant on the average gas price per state and the distance traveled. After comparing the cost and distance of each possible route, the most cost-effective and efficient route is the direct route. While the journey is long, it takes approximately 28 hours to complete and is the best option based on the current gas prices.