The Cost of Road Tripping from Briarcliff, Texas to Great Bend, Kansas

Introduction

Road tripping from Briarcliff, Texas, to Great Bend, Kansas, is an experience like no other. It’s a perfect opportunity to explore the beautiful landscapes of Texas and Kansas. However, before embarking on this journey, it’s important to know how much it would cost to drive there.

Cost of Gas

The cost of gas is an important factor to consider when driving long distances. The current national average for a gallon of gasoline is $3.15, according to AAA. Given that Briarcliff is located in Texas while Great Bend is in Kansas, there are several routes you can take, each with varying distances and associated gas costs.

Route Options

Route 1: Via I-35 and I-135

This is the most direct and popular route from Briarcliff, Texas, to Great Bend, Kansas. Starting from Briarcliff, you will take I-35 North and later connect to I-135 North until you reach Great Bend.

The total distance of this route is 556 miles, taking approximately 8 hours and 35 minutes of non-stop driving. According to AAA, the average gas mileage of a mid-size car is 25.5 miles per gallon. Therefore, the total amount of gas required for the trip is about 21.8 gallons, costing roughly $68.67.

Route 2: Via I-35 and I-40

This route starts from Briarcliff, Texas, and joins I-35 via TX-45 until you reach Oklahoma City. From there, connect to I-40 going westbound towards Amarillo, Texas, then onto I-287 to Great Bend, Kansas.

The total distance of this route is approximately 775 miles, which equates to roughly 12 hours of driving. The average gas mileage of a mid-size car is 25.5 miles per gallon. Therefore, the total amount of gas required for the trip is about 30.4 gallons, costing around $96.40.

Route 3: Via US-183

This is a popular but scenic route that cuts through Texas before entering Kansas. Starting from Briarcliff, take TX-71 West towards Llano, then US-183 North towards Brownwood, Texas. Continue on US-183 till you get to Kansas, then merge onto US-56 E to Great Bend.

The total distance of this route is roughly 758 miles, taking approximately 13 hours and 20 minutes of non-stop driving. The average gas mileage of a mid-size car is 25.5 miles per gallon. Therefore, the total amount of gas required for the trip is about 29.8 gallons, costing around $94.14.

Best Route

Based on the three routes, the most convenient and cost-effective one would be Route 1 via I-35 and I-135. It’s the most direct route, with the lowest gas cost, and the driving duration is relatively short. Route 2 has an additional driving time of four hours and requires more gas, which increases the overall cost of the trip.

While Route 3 is scenic, it’s not direct, and it takes an additional five hours of driving to reach Great Bend. However, if you're up for a long scenic drive, it is worth the additional miles and hours behind the wheel.

Conclusion

Driving from Briarcliff, Texas, to Great Bend, Kansas, is a road trip that is both exciting and cost-effective. The most convenient and cost-effective route is via I-35 and I-135, with a total gas cost of around $68.67. Nevertheless, one can opt for the scenic Route 3 via US-183, which costs $94.14 but offers scenic views and an excellent driving experience. Whichever route, driving to Great Bend is a trip worth taking. Happy road tripping!