Driving Cost from Birmingham, Alabama to Denver, Colorado

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The Cost of a Journey from Birmingham, Alabama to Denver, Colorado

If you're planning a trip from Birmingham, Alabama to Denver, Colorado, you'll want to consider some things before setting off. A crucial consideration will be the costs of traveling; transport, food, lodging, and incidentals. This article will outline the cost of driving between these two cities, including different routes, and provide tips on how to save money on the way.

The Possible Routes

There are several routes for getting from Birmingham, Alabama to Denver, Colorado. Here are the top three:

  1. The I-20 west: This route is the shortest and quickest, spanning about 1,145 miles. You'll first drive west on I-20 to Jackson, Mississippi, then onto I-49 to Shreveport, Louisiana. From there, you'll take I-20 to Dallas, Texas, and finally, I-35 to Wichita, Kansas. From Wichita, you'll take I-70 to Denver.

  2. The I-40 west: This route covers about 1,300 miles and will take you through eight states. You'll travel west on I-20 to Memphis, Tennessee, then hop on I-40 to Little Rock, Arkansas, and head to Amarillo, Texas. From there, you'll take US-87 to Dalhart, Texas, followed by US-385 to Burlington, Colorado, and finally, I-70 to Denver.

  3. The I-65 north and I-70 west: This route is about 1,390 miles long and takes you through five states. You'll travel north on I-65 to Nashville, Tennessee, then take I-24 to St. Louis, Missouri. From there, you'll head west onto I-70 to Denver.

The Cost of a Road Trip

The cost of a road trip depends on fuel prices, lodging costs, and distance traveled. Let's break down the costs of each route:

The I-20 West Route

The I-20 west route is the shortest, spanning about 1,145 miles. If you're traveling by car, a single journey on this route will take approximately 18 hours. Let's break down the costs:

  • Gas costs: At the current gas price in Alabama ($2.80 per gallon), you'll be spending around $150 for gas one way.
  • Tolls: You'll be paying tolls on some of the roads, including the Louisiana bridge, which costs $4.75, and the Kansas Turnpike, which costs $14.75.
  • Lodging: If you want to spend the night on the way, you can expect to pay between $40-$120 for an average hotel room in the cities along the route.
  • Food and drinks: Finally, you'll need to budget for food and drinks for the journey, which might include restaurant meals, drinks, and snacks. A rule of thumb is to budget around $30-$50 per day for food if you're eating out at fast-food joints along the way.

The I-40 West Route

The I-40 west route is approximately 1,300 miles long, and the journey takes around 20 hours. Here are the estimated costs:

  • Gas costs: The distance is longer in this route, so you'll be spending more on gas. At the current gas price in Alabama ($2.80 per gallon), you'll be spending around $180 for gas one way.
  • Tolls: You'll be paying tolls in Illinois, Oklahoma, and Texas, totaling about $20 for the entire journey.
  • Lodging: If you need to spend the night along the path, you can expect to pay between $40-$120 for an average hotel room in the cities along the route.
  • Food and drinks: You'll need to budget around $30-$50 per day if you plan on eating out at fast-food joints along the way.

The I-65 North and I-70 West Route

Finally, the I-65 North and I-70 West route is the longest, taking approximately 22 hours of driving to complete. Here are the estimated costs:

  • Gas costs: Given the longer distance, you'll need to budget more for gas. At the current gas price in Alabama ($2.80 per gallon), you'll be spending around $200 for gas one way.
  • Tolls: There are no tolls on this route.
  • Lodging: If you need to spend the night during the trip, you can expect to pay between $40-$120 for an average hotel room in the cities along the route.
  • Food and drinks: Finally, you'll need to budget around $30-$50 per day if you plan on eating out at fast-food joints along the way.

The Best Route

All three routes have their pros and cons. You should pick the one that best fits your travel itinerary, budget, and preferences. For instance, if you are aiming to save money and drive the shortest route, the I-20 west route might be the best choice. However, if you're not in a hurry and want to enjoy the scenery, the I-65 North and I-70 West route might be the better option, even though it's the longest.

Conclusion

Driving between Birmingham, Alabama, and Denver, Colorado, can be a thrilling adventure. The most significant consideration, of course, is how much it's going to cost. We've covered three possible routes and the cost of gas, tolls, lodging, and food and drinks for each. You can then use these approximations to budget for your trip. Ultimately, the best route for you will depend on your preferences and budget. Safe travels!