The Cost of a Trip between Birmingham, Alabama and Justin, Texas: Navigating Gas Prices

When planning a trip, one of the major expenses to consider is the cost of gasoline. It can be challenging to estimate the exact amount needed for a road trip, especially when traveling across state lines. The distance between Birmingham, Alabama, and Justin, Texas, is approximately 725 miles. This article will explore the possible routes and their corresponding costs based on current gas prices. Keep reading to find out the most efficient and economical way to travel between these two cities.

Possible Routes

There are several ways to travel between Birmingham, Alabama, and Justin, Texas. The three main routes are:

Route 1: Via I-20 W and I-35 W

This route involves driving west on I-20 for about 522 miles before taking I-35W south, which will cover about 206 miles. The whole trip will take approximately 8.5 hours, depending on traffic conditions and stops along the way. This route takes you through cities such as Jackson, Mississippi, and Dallas, Texas, before arriving in Justin, Texas.

Route 2: Via I-40 W and I-35 W

The second option involves taking I-40 west for about 153 miles before getting on I-35 W south for 576 miles. The total distance of this route is approximately 729 miles, which is slightly longer than Route 1, but it may be the better choice depending on where in Birmingham you are starting from. This route will take you through famous cities such as Little Rock, Arkansas, and Oklahoma City, before arriving in Justin, Texas.

Route 3: Via US-82 W and I-35 W

The third and final route is the longest, covering approximately 791 miles. This route involves taking US-82 W from Birmingham, Alabama, to Sherman, Texas, which covers about 674 miles. From there, you will need to take I-35 W south for another 117 miles to Justin, Texas. This journey will take you through cities such as Tupelo, Mississippi, and Dallas, Texas.

Gas Prices in Different States

Gas prices vary by state and region. According to AAA's gas price database, as of August 2021, the average price of a gallon of regular gas in Alabama is $2.89 while in Texas, it's $2.72. Of course, the cost of gasoline for your particular trip will depend on a variety of factors such as the type of car you have, how many miles per gallon it gets, and other variables. For the purposes of this article, we will use the above gas prices to calculate the cost of the different routes.

Calculating the Costs

To estimate the total cost of fuel for each route, let's assume that you have a car that gets an average of 25 miles per gallon and that you will be taking only your car on the trip. Let's also assume that you will need to fill up your car's gas tank twice, round trip, based on the miles to be covered.

Route 1: Via I-20 W and I-35 W

From Birmingham, Alabama, to Justin, Texas, this route is about 728 miles with an average gas price of $2.89 per gallon in Alabama and $2.72 per gallon in Texas. Based on this, gas consumption will be approximately 58 gallons, costing $167.02. Bear in mind that these costs are based on current gas prices and that prices may fluctuate.

Route 2: Via I-40 W and I-35 W

This route covers 729 miles round trip, with an average gas price of $2.89 per gallon in Alabama and $2.72 per gallon in Texas. Gas consumption will be approximately 58 gallons, with an estimated cost of $167.02.

Route 3: Via US-82 W and I-35 W

This route is the longest, at 791 miles round trip. With an average gas price of $2.89 per gallon in Alabama and $2.72 per gallon in Texas, gas consumption will be approximately 63 gallons, costing about $182.16.

Conclusion

Based on our calculations, it's clear that the most economical way to travel between Birmingham, Alabama, and Justin, Texas, is via Route 1. It's the shortest, both in terms of distance and time, and it has the lowest fuel cost. As with any journey, however, the actual cost may vary depending on several variables such as vehicle type, current gas prices, and driving habits. It's always advisable to keep a buffer amount available while planning a trip. In conclusion, the trip should take approximately 8.5 hours and cost around $167.02, excluding other expenses such as tolls and food. Stay safe on your travels!