The Cost of a Trip from Birmingham, Alabama to Howard, Kansas

Are you planning a road trip from Birmingham, Alabama to Howard, Kansas? If so, it's important to plan your route and factor in the cost of gas. In this article, we will break down the potential routes and their distances, gas prices, and estimated costs, so you can make an informed decision and budget for your trip accordingly.

Possible Routes and Distances

Before we can discuss the cost of gas for the trip, we first need to look at the potential routes and distances. There are multiple ways to get from Birmingham to Howard, but we'll focus on the top three most common routes:

Route 1: I-40 W and US-183 N

The first and most straightforward route is to take I-40 W and US-183 N. The distance between the two cities is approximately 800 miles, and it takes around 12 hours to drive without stops. This route takes you through Memphis, Little Rock, and Wichita.

Route 2: US-78 W and US-71 N

The second route takes you on a more scenic drive through the rural Midwest. It involves taking US-78 W and US-71 N, then switching to US-400 W to get to Howard. This route is slightly longer, with a distance of approximately 850 miles, and it takes around 13 hours to drive without stops.

Route 3: I-35 N and KS-146 W

Lastly, you could take a route through Kansas instead of Oklahoma and Arkansas. This route involves taking I-35 N and KS-146 W. The distance is a bit shorter than Route 1 at about 730 miles, but it still takes around 12 hours to drive without stops. This route takes you through Wichita and into Howard.

Gas Prices and Estimated Costs

Now that we have a better idea of the routes and distances, we can begin to estimate the cost of gas for each one. However, it's important to keep in mind that gas prices are always fluctuating, so the prices we have listed here may not be accurate by the time you take your trip.

As of August 2021, the average gas price in Alabama is $2.79 per gallon, while the average gas price in Kansas is $3.06 per gallon. We will use these averages to estimate the cost of gas for each potential route based on the average car fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon.

Route 1: I-40 W and US-183 N

The distance of Route 1 is 800 miles, which would require approximately 32 gallons of gas. At $2.79 per gallon, the estimated cost for gas is around $89.28 for the entire trip.

Route 2: US-78 W and US-71 N

Route 2 is slightly longer, with a distance of 850 miles, which would require approximately 34 gallons of gas. At $2.79 per gallon, the estimated cost for gas is around $94.86 for the entire trip.

Route 3: I-35 N and KS-146 W

Lastly, Route 3 is the shortest at approximately 730 miles, which would require approximately 29 gallons of gas. At $3.06 per gallon, the estimated cost for gas is around $88.74 for the entire trip.

Best Route Recommendation

Based on the distances and gas prices, Route 3 seems to be the best option. It's the shortest route, and the difference in cost compared to Route 1 is minimal. Additionally, it avoids the heavily trafficked I-40 and takes you through Kansas instead of Arkansas, which may be a more scenic drive.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the cost of a road trip from Birmingham, Alabama to Howard, Kansas depends on the route you take and the current gas prices. By comparing the three routes discussed above, it's clear that Route 3 is the best option to save money and avoid heavy traffic. Ultimately, it's up to you to decide which route is best for your needs and preferences. Happy travels!