The Cost of a Road Trip Between Brandon and Petal: How to Save Money on Gas
If you're planning a road trip from Brandon, Mississippi to Petal, Mississippi, you need to know how much it will cost you. Gas prices can quickly add up, but fortunately, there are ways to save money during the trip.
In this article, we'll explore the different routes between Brandon and Petal, the distance and cost of each, and the best route to take to save money on gas.
Route Options
There are three main routes to take between Brandon and Petal:
Route 1: I-20 and US-49
This route takes you from Brandon, Mississippi on I-20, past Jackson, and through Hattiesburg on US-49. The total distance is approximately 87 miles.
Route 2: I-55 and US-98
This route takes you from Brandon, Mississippi on I-55, then onto US-98 heading west. You'll eventually turn south onto MS-29, then onto MS-42, before finally making it onto US-11 and arriving in Petal. The total distance is approximately 100 miles.
Route 3: US-80 and MS-42
This route takes you from Brandon, Mississippi on US-80, then onto MS-13 and onto MS-42. You'll pass through Mendenhall before arriving at Petal. The total distance is approximately 85 miles.
Cost and Distance Comparison
To get an idea of how much gas money you'll need for each route, we've provided a comparison chart below:
| Route | Distance | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| I-20 and US-49 | 87 miles | $14.57 |
| I-55 and US-98 | 100 miles | $16.72 |
| US-80 and MS-42 | 85 miles | $14.20 |
Note: Estimated cost is calculated based on the average gas price of $2.87 per gallon and a car that gets 25 miles per gallon.
Best Route and Money Saving Tips
Based on the comparison chart provided, the best route to take to save money on gas is Route 1, I-20 and US-49. While the distance is slightly less than Route 2, the estimated cost is also less by $2.15. Additionally, Route 1 has less traffic congestion than Route 2 during peak travel times.
However, there are other ways to save money on gas during this trip:
Optimize your speed and acceleration. Speeding, rapid acceleration, and hard braking can decrease fuel efficiency. You can save money on gas by driving more smoothly.
Use cruise control. Keeping a constant speed can help you save gas, and cruise control can assist you in maintaining that speed.
Avoid idling. Idling or leaving the car running unnecessarily eats up gas. If you're going to be parked for a while, turn off your engine.
Use a credit card with gas rewards. Some credit cards offer cash back or rewards points when you use them to buy gas. Check your credit card offering before heading out.
To save even more money, we suggest filling up your tank in Brandon, as gas prices in Jackson and Hattiesburg are often higher.
Conclusion
Overall, Route 1, I-20 and US-49 is the best route to take between Brandon and Petal to save money on gas. Not only is it less expensive than the other two routes, but there's also less traffic congestion during peak travel times. By optimizing your speed, using cruise control, avoiding idling, and using a credit card with gas rewards, you can save money on gas during this trip.
The road trip should take approximately an hour and a half to complete, based on traffic and speed. With these tips in mind, you'll be on your way to a budget-friendly road trip in no time.