Driving Cost from Bowling Green, Ohio to Manhattan, Kansas

A picture depicting a gas pump

The Cost of a Trip Between Bowling Green, Ohio and Manhattan, Kansas based on Current Gas Prices

Introduction

Planning a road trip can be an exciting adventure, but it also requires careful consideration of various factors, including the cost of travel. If you're looking to travel from Bowling Green, Ohio, to Manhattan, Kansas, this article aims to provide you with an overview of the different possible routes and their associated costs. With gas prices fluctuating frequently, it's essential to be aware of the expenses involved to adequately budget your trip. Read on to explore the various routes, discuss their distances and costs, and ultimately recommend the best option for your journey.

Route Options

Route 1: The Central Route

The most direct and popular route between Bowling Green, Ohio, and Manhattan, Kansas, is traveling primarily on major interstates. Starting on Interstate 75 South, you will travel through Ohio, passing through Dayton, Cincinnati, and Louisville, and then enter Kentucky. In Louisville, you merge onto Interstate 64 West, which will take you through Indiana, passing by St. Louis, Missouri. From there, you will hop on Interstate 70 West and cross through most of Missouri before entering Kansas and ultimately reaching Manhattan.

The total distance between Bowling Green, Ohio, and Manhattan, Kansas, using the Central Route is approximately 1,097 miles.

Route 2: The Scenic Route

For those seeking a more scenic and leisurely drive, you may consider an alternative route that takes you through some beautiful areas of the Midwest. Starting from Bowling Green, you can take State Route 25 South to North Baltimore, Ohio. From there, head west on State Route 18 and continue until you reach US Highway 23 South. As you drive along US Highway 23, you'll cross the southern part of Ohio, entering Kentucky near Portsmouth.

Once in Kentucky, you can continue south on US Highway 23, passing through the picturesque Appalachian region before reaching Pikeville. At Pikeville, you'll merge onto US Highway 119 South, which will lead you through the eastern part of Kentucky and enter the southwestern part of West Virginia. Continue on US Highway 119 South to intersect with US Highway 460 West, which will ultimately take you into Kentucky again near Paintsville.

In Kentucky, take US Highway 23 South again until you reach US Highway 119 South. Follow this route until you enter Virginia and reach Bristol. At Bristol, merge onto Interstate 81 South, which will guide you through the beautiful landscapes of Tennessee and Virginia. As you near Knoxville, merge onto Interstate 40 West, which will take you through Tennessee and Arkansas, before finally leading you into Missouri. At St. Louis, you can connect to Interstate 70 West, and from there, continue through Missouri and Kansas until you arrive in Manhattan.

The total distance between Bowling Green, Ohio, and Manhattan, Kansas, using the Scenic Route is approximately 1,320 miles.

Cost Estimates

Now that we have explored the two main route options for your journey, it's time to discuss the estimated cost associated with each route, taking into account the current gas prices.

Gas Prices and Fuel Efficiency

To accurately calculate the cost of the trip, we will assume an average gas price of $2.80 per gallon, as of October 2021. Additionally, let's consider the average fuel efficiency of a mid-size sedan, which is approximately 30 miles per gallon on highways.

Route 1: The Central Route

Based on the total distance of approximately 1,097 miles, and considering the average fuel efficiency of 30 miles per gallon, you can expect to use around 36.55 gallons of gasoline for the trip. Multiplying this by the average gas price of $2.80 per gallon, the estimated cost of fuel for Route 1 would be approximately $102.44.

Route 2: The Scenic Route

With a total distance of approximately 1,320 miles, the Scenic Route requires a bit more driving than the Central Route. Taking into account the average fuel efficiency of 30 miles per gallon, you would consume around 44 gallons of gas for this trip. At the average gas price of $2.80 per gallon, the estimated fuel cost for Route 2 amounts to approximately $123.20.

Considering both the distance and cost factors, Route 1, the Central Route, appears to be the more efficient and economical choice for traveling between Bowling Green, Ohio, and Manhattan, Kansas. With a shorter distance of roughly 1,097 miles, compared to the 1,320 miles of the Scenic Route, you would save both time and money on fuel expenses.

Route 1 also primarily follows major interstates, providing easier navigation and access to essential amenities, such as fuel stations, rest areas, and dining options. Moreover, the Central Route offers a more direct path with multiple lanes, allowing for smoother traffic flow and reducing the chance of unexpected delays.

While the Scenic Route may offer picturesque landscapes and an opportunity to explore smaller towns and charming areas, it requires more time, effort, and cost. Therefore, unless you have specific desires to visit particular areas along this route, Route 1 is strongly recommended for a cost-effective and efficient journey from Bowling Green, Ohio, to Manhattan, Kansas.

Conclusion

In conclusion, traveling between Bowling Green, Ohio, and Manhattan, Kansas, offers two main route options: the Central Route and the Scenic Route. While the Scenic Route provides the allure of picturesque landscapes and smaller towns, it is ultimately longer in distance and more costly in terms of both time and fuel expenses.

On the other hand, the Central Route, spanning approximately 1,097 miles, is the shorter and more economical option. Following major interstates, it ensures easier navigation, quicker travel times, and readily available amenities along the way. With an estimated fuel cost of around $102.44, based on the average gas price and fuel efficiency, Route 1 is the most recommended choice for your trip.

So, pack your bags, prepare your playlist, and hit the road! With the Central Route, you can expect to reach your destination in approximately [insert time estimate here], making the journey as efficient and cost-effective as possible. Safe travels!

Note

Please keep in mind that gas prices are subject to change, and it is always advisable to check for the most up-to-date prices and plan your budget accordingly.