The Cost of a Road Trip Between Black Hawk, Colorado and McArthur, Ohio
Planning a road trip between Black Hawk, Colorado, and McArthur, Ohio, can be a bit overwhelming, especially when it comes to budgeting for the trip. It can be challenging to determine how much money you should save up for the journey, especially since there are multiple routes to consider, each with varying distances and expenses. In this article, we will break down the cost of a road trip between these two locations and share our recommendation for the best route to take.
Possible Routes to Take
There are three main possible routes to travel from Black Hawk, Colorado, to McArthur, Ohio. These routes are:
- The northern route via I-80 E and I-76 E
- The central route via I-70 E and I-71 N
- The southern route via I-40 E and I-44 E
Each of these routes has its pros and cons, including distance, terrain, speed limits, and cost.
The Northern Route
The northern route, via I-80 E and I-76 E, takes you through parts of Iowa, Nebraska, and Colorado before passing through Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri, and Illinois, and finally ending in Ohio. This route covers over 1400 miles and takes roughly 22 hours to drive non-stop. If you plan to stop and rest during the trip, you should budget for an extra day or two.
Fuel costs will take a significant portion of your budget when traveling through the northern route. Based on current fuel prices, you should expect to pay at least $280 for gas during the trip. However, if you drive a fuel-efficient car, your expenses could be lower.
The Central Route
The central route, via I-70 E and I-71 N, takes you through parts of Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio. The distance from Black Hawk, Colorado, to McArthur, Ohio, via this route is around 1300 miles, with driving time of around 20 hours non-stop. Again, if you plan to stop and rest during the trip, you should budget for an extra day or two.
Fuel expenses on the central route are lower than on the northern route. Based on current fuel prices, you should budget for about $250 for gas. However, this cost could also vary depending on your car's fuel efficiency and any price fluctuations at gas stations along the way.
The Southern Route
The southern route, via I-40 E and I-44 E, takes you through parts of Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Missouri before terminating in Ohio. With a length of around 2000 miles, the route takes around 31 hours to drive non-stop. This route has the highest fuel cost primarily because it is the longest route. Fuel costs will cost you approximately $370.
Cost Comparison
Now that we have a rough estimate of the cost of fuel during the journey take a look at the comparison chart below to help make the decision-making process more comfortable.
| Route | Distance | Driving Time | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northern | 1400 miles | 22 hours | $280 |
| Central | 1300 miles | 20 hours | $250 |
| Southern | 2000 miles | 31 hours | $370 |
Our Recommendation
Based on the data provided, we recommend taking the central route. Yes, it is a little longer than the northern route, but it has significantly lower fuel expenses. You would save at least $30 by taking the central route as opposed to the northern route, and it's only a 100-mile difference. Additionally, the route passes through fewer high elevation areas, making for a smoother journey.
Conclusion
Planning a road trip between Black Hawk, Colorado, and McArthur, Ohio, can be a challenging task. Remember, fuel costs will take a significant portion of your budget, so choose the best route that will save you some money. Our data suggests taking the central route, and once you reach your destination, take a well-deserved rest after completing an approximate 20-hour journey.