The Cost of a Trip between Billings, Montana and Orem, Utah: A Guide Based on Current Gas Prices

Taking a road trip can be a great way to explore different parts of the country, but it can also come with some costs. If you're planning a trip between Billings, Montana and Orem, Utah, one of the factors you'll want to consider is the cost of the trip. In this guide, we'll break down the different possible routes and highlight the costs and distances of each one, so you can make an informed decision about which route to take.

Route 1: Taking I-90 and I-15

The most direct route between Billings, Montana and Orem, Utah is to take I-90 west through Montana and into Wyoming, then take I-25 south toward Casper, Wyoming. From there, you'll switch to I-80 west and continue on until you reach Salt Lake City. Finally, you'll take I-15 south to Orem.

This route is approximately 838 miles long, and it will take you about 12-13 hours to drive without stops. According to current gas prices, which are averaging around $2.87/gallon for regular unleaded in the United States (as of July 2021), the cost of gas alone for this trip will be around $145-175, depending on your vehicle's fuel efficiency.

Route 2: Taking Scenic I-90 through Idaho

Another option is to take a slightly longer route that offers more scenic views. After you take I-90 west through Montana, instead of switching to I-25, continue on I-90 west into Idaho. From there, you'll take Highway 20 south until you reach Highway 26, which will take you into Utah and onto I-15.

This route is approximately 915 miles long, and it will take you about 14-15 hours to drive without stops. The cost of gas for this route will be slightly higher than the direct route, at around $175-205 based on current gas prices.

Route 3: Taking Highway 191 through Wyoming

For a more rural route, you can take Highway 212 west out of Billings until you reach Highway 310. From there, you'll take Highway 14 west and then switch to Highway 16 south until you reach Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Finally, you'll take Highway 191 south through Utah until you reach I-15.

This route is approximately 963 miles long, and it will take you about 16-17 hours to drive without stops. The cost of gas for this route will also be slightly higher, at around $190-225 based on current gas prices.

Recommendations and Conclusion

Based on the above analysis, the direct route taking I-90 and I-15 is the most cost-effective and time-efficient route to take between Billings, Montana and Orem, Utah. However, if you have extra time and want to take a more scenic or rural route, the other options may be worth considering.

Overall, whether you're looking to save money or simply want to experience different parts of the country, there are plenty of options for getting from one place to another. Hopefully, this guide has helped you make an informed decision about which route to take and what to expect in terms of the cost and distance of your trip. Safe travels!