The Cost of a Trip Between Blue Springs, Missouri and Richmond, Virginia
Are you planning a road trip from Blue Springs, Missouri to Richmond, Virginia? Without a doubt, it's an exciting journey filled with picturesque landscapes and vivid memories. However, with fluctuating gas prices and several routes to choose from, it can be daunting to calculate the total cost of the trip. In this article, we will break down the different routes, highlight the distance and cost of each, and recommend the best route to take based on current gas prices.
Route 1 - I-70E and I-64E
One of the most direct routes to take from Blue Springs to Richmond is via I-70E and I-64E. This route spans 958 miles and takes approximately 14.5 hours to complete. However, due to tolls and increasing gas prices, it's crucial to budget accordingly.
Tolls
If you plan on taking this route, you will encounter several tolls. Here are the toll costs for the I-70E and I-64E route:
- Kansas Turnpike: $13.60 for cars
- Missouri River Bridge: $2.00 for cars
- Daniel Boone Bridge: $2.00 for cars
- Virginia Tunnel and Bridge: $5.00 for cars
Gas Prices
According to GasBuddy, the average gas price per gallon in Blue Springs is $3.02 ($3.36 for diesel). If gas prices remain stable, then to complete the trip, a vehicle averaging 25 miles per gallon would require 38 gallons of gas, costing approximately $114 ($127 for diesel). However, gas prices fluctuate, so it's crucial to consider this when budgeting.
Cost and Distance
Combining tolls and gas prices, the total cost of this route is approximately $134 ($144 for diesel), excluding any snacks or unforeseen expenses. Here's a breakdown of the distance and cost per state:
| State | Distance | Tolls | Gas | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Missouri | 110 mi | $15.60 | $11.44 | $27.04 |
| Illinois | 123 mi | - | $13.08 | $13.08 |
| Indiana | 156 mi | - | $16.56 | $16.56 |
| Ohio | 220 mi | - | $23.32 | $23.32 |
| West Virginia | 44 mi | - | $4.68 | $4.68 |
| Virginia | 305 mi | $5.00 | $45.92 | $50.92 |
| Total | 958 mi | $20.60 | $114.00 | $134.60 |
Route 2 - I-70E and I-77S
Another route to take from Blue Springs to Richmond is via I-70E and I-77S. This route spans approximately 967 miles and takes approximately 15 hours to complete. It's crucial to note that while this route doesn't have as many tolls, the increasing gas prices still impact the final cost.
Tolls
If you plan on taking this route, you will encounter one toll:
- West Virginia Turnpike: $4.00 for cars
Gas Prices
According to GasBuddy, the average gas price per gallon in Blue Springs is $3.02 ($3.36 for diesel). To complete the trip, a vehicle averaging 25 miles per gallon would require 39 gallons of gas, costing approximately $118 ($131 for diesel). Remember, gas prices can fluctuate, so consider this when budgeting.
Cost and Distance
Combining tolls and gas prices, the total cost of this route is approximately $122 ($135 for diesel), excluding any snacks or unforeseen expenses. Here's a breakdown of the distance and cost per state:
| State | Distance | Tolls | Gas | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Missouri | 110 mi | - | $11.44 | $11.44 |
| Illinois | 123 mi | - | $13.08 | $13.08 |
| Indiana | 156 mi | - | $16.56 | $16.56 |
| Ohio | 220 mi | - | $23.32 | $23.32 |
| West Virginia | 315 mi | $4.00 | $30.12 | $34.12 |
| Virginia | 153 mi | - | $23.48 | $23.48 |
| Total | 967 mi | $4.00 | $118.00 | $122.00 |
Route 3 - I-44E and I-64E
If you're looking for a longer and more scenic route, you can take I-44E and I-64E. This route spans approximately 1234 miles and takes approximately 18.5 hours to complete. It's crucial to consider the distance and gas prices when budgeting for this longer route.
Tolls
If you plan on taking this route, you will encounter two tolls:
- Missouri River Bridge: $2.00 for cars
- Virginia Tunnel and Bridge: $5.00 for cars
Gas Prices
According to GasBuddy, the average gas price per gallon in Blue Springs is $3.02 ($3.36 for diesel). To complete the trip, a vehicle averaging 25 miles per gallon would require 49 gallons of gas, costing approximately $148 ($164 for diesel). Remember, gas prices can fluctuate, so consider this when budgeting.
Cost and Distance
Combining tolls and gas prices, the total cost of this route is approximately $155 ($171 for diesel), excluding any snacks or unforeseen expenses. Here's a breakdown of the distance and cost per state:
| State | Distance | Tolls | Gas | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Missouri | 234 mi | $2.00 | $22.88 | $24.88 |
| Illinois | 319 mi | - | $33.84 | $33.84 |
| Indiana | 333 mi | - | $35.28 | $35.28 |
| Ohio | 220 mi | - | $23.32 | $23.32 |
| West Virginia | 44 mi | - | $4.68 | $4.68 |
| Virginia | 84 mi | $5.00 | $28.08 | $33.08 |
| Total | 1234 mi | $7.00 | $148.08 | $155.08 |
Recommendation
Based on the total cost and distance of each route, we recommend taking Route 2 via I-70E and I-77S. This route is the most cost-effective, with a total cost of $122 ($135 for diesel). Although it's slightly longer in distance than Route 1, the absence of several tolls makes it more budget-friendly.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the trip from Blue Springs, Missouri to Richmond, Virginia, can be a cost-effective and exciting journey. Depending on your budget and preference, there are several routes to take, each with their unique cost and distance. Remember to consider tolls and fluctuating gas prices when budgeting for your trip. With Route 2, you can enjoy the scenic views and cities along the way while still saving money on gas and tolls. Happy travels!