The Cost of a Trip from Birmingham, Alabama to Waco, Texas

Are you planning a road trip from Birmingham, Alabama to Waco, Texas? Before you pack your bags, it's important to consider the different routes available and their costs. Gas prices can fluctuate frequently, making it challenging to estimate the overall expense. In this article, we'll explore the different possible routes and highlight the cost and distance of each one, ultimately recommending the best route for your journey.

The Possible Routes

There are several different routes you can take when embarking on a trip from Birmingham, Alabama to Waco, Texas. Let's take a closer look at each one.

Route 1: I-20 W

The most direct route from Birmingham to Waco is taking I-20 W. This route involves crossing four different states: Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas.

If you're traveling this route, the total distance is approximately 742 miles, and the estimated driving time is 11 hours and 15 minutes (based on MapQuest directions). This route doesn't have too many curves or turns, so it's relatively easy to manage.

If you're driving a regular car that gets about 25 miles per gallon, you'll require about 30 gallons of gasoline to complete this journey. As of December 2021, the average gas price in Birmingham is $3.30 per gallon, and in Waco, it's $3.08 per gallon. Therefore, you can anticipate spending around $99 on gasoline one way.

Route 2: I-30 W

Another route to consider taking is I-30 W. This will take you through Arkansas and then into Texas.

This route is similar in distance and estimated driving time to Route 1, with an estimated distance of around 740 miles. However, the terrain's topography is slightly different, so it involves more hills and curves.

The cost of gasoline for this journey would be identical to Route 1, as the driving distance is quite similar.

Route 3: I-20 W + US-281 S

For a more scenic journey, consider taking I-20 W until you reach Abilene, Texas, but then turning south a few miles later onto US-281 S towards Waco.

The estimated driving distance for this route is around 760 miles, which is slightly longer than the other proposed routes. This journey would take an estimated 11 hours and 40 minutes and involves traveling through more rural areas.

You may need to stop for food, restroom breaks, and fuel along this route, as there are more remote locations.

The estimated gasoline expenses for this route would be around $100, making it slightly more expensive than the previous routes.

Route 4: US-78 W + I-45 S

For a more leisurely and relaxed journey, you can take US-78 W until you reach Dallas, Texas. After that, drive south on I-45 S until you get to Waco.

This route is by far the longest option, with a total estimated distance of around 886 miles. It will take about 15 hours of journey time. This is certainly not a route to take if you want to arrive at your destination as soon as possible. However, you will take in some fantastic scenery if you do choose to go this way.

The estimated gasoline costs for this route would be around $132, which is the highest estimated cost of all the routes we've described here.

All estimated gasoline expenses were calculated using the official GasBuddy website and the current gas prices mentioned above.

The Best Route

When it comes to choosing the best route for your journey from Birmingham to Waco, the ideal route depends on your priorities. If your primary focus is saving time, then I-20 W is the best route to take. This route is the most direct and has a shorter estimated driving time.

On the other hand, if you want to see more scenic routes and are in no rush to get to your destination, US-78 W + I-45 S is your best bet. This route has a more relaxed pace and offers some gorgeous countryside views.

Ultimately, while Route 3 offers a slightly more scenic route, I-20 W and I-30 W are the most efficient and cost-effective options based on distance and estimated gasoline expenses.

Conclusion

In conclusion, taking a road trip from Birmingham, Alabama to Waco, Texas is a journey full of possibilities. Ultimately, your choice of route depends on a range of factors including the scenery you want to experience, your estimated travel time, and, of course, the cost of gasoline for the journey. Based on the current gas prices and estimated mileage, the most cost-effective and efficient routes are I-20W and I-30W. Whatever route you choose, enjoy the journey, take plenty of breaks, and enjoy yourself!