The Cost of a Road Trip from Calgary, Alberta to Boca Raton, Florida: Calculating the Price at the Pump
When planning a long road trip, it's essential to consider the cost of fuel, especially with fluctuating gas prices. This rings true for anyone who's planning a trip from Calgary, Alberta, to Boca Raton, Florida. Before you hit the road, you must calculate the cost of the gas, the distance you'll travel, and the best route to take.
The Possible Routes
There are three main routes to consider when making your way from Calgary, Alberta, to Boca Raton, Florida. Let's explore each option, starting with the shortest route.
Route 1: Trans-Canada Highway and I-95
This route offers the shortest distance of 4,402 km or 2,733 miles. It is, however, not the most practical option in terms of time, as it will take you approximately 41 hours to cover this distance.
This route begins by traveling east on the Trans-Canada Highway and crossing the border into the United States via the Sweetgrass- Coutts border checkpoint. From there, you continue south on Interstate 15 until you get to Idaho Falls, Idaho. Here, you connect with Interstate 84, which will take you to Ogden, Utah. From here, you'll continue onto Interstate 15 and head south, crossing through Arizona, Nevada, and California before reaching your end destination in Florida.
Route 2: Trans-Canada Highway and I-75
The second route is a bit longer, covering a distance of 4,585 km or 2,848 miles. However, this route only takes approximately 40 hours to complete.
This option begins the same way as the previous one, covering the Trans-Canada Highway and crossing into the US via Sweetgrass-Coutts. From there, you head south on I-15, but instead of staying on the same highway, you switch to I-90 heading east. You then transition to I-29 south, then merge onto I-80. Next, you'll head south on I-76 and merge onto I-70 East. Continue along I-70 East to I-465 South, then down to I-65 South. Finally, take I-75 South to your end destination in Boca Raton, Florida.
Route 3: CANAMEX and I-75
The longest route is 4,872 km or 3,027 miles and will take you approximately 45 hours to complete. It can be a good option if you want to avoid the driving distance in the mountains.
This option begins with the CANAMEX Corridor, which is a relatively new highway system that crosses Canada and the United States. Starting from Calgary, Alberta, you'll travel south on Calgary-Edmonton Corridor, then connect with CANAMEX Highway. From there, you head south, crossing into the US via Portal, North Dakota. Once you're in the US, you continue on I-94 East, heading towards Minneapolis, Minnesota. Here, you connect with I-35, heading south all the way through Texas before merging onto I-10. Finally, you take I-75 South to your end destination in Boca Raton, Florida.
The Cost of Gas
Before hitting the road, it is essential to take gas prices into consideration. The average gas price per liter in Calgary, Alberta, as of August 23rd, 2021, was $1.40 CAD. To calculate the expected cost of gas for a road trip, you'll need to know the distance of the route and your vehicle's fuel efficiency.
Assuming you're driving a standard sedan or SUV that gets around 11.5 km/liter (27 miles per gallon), we can calculate the cost of gas required for the trip from Calgary, Alberta, to Boca Raton, Florida.
Route 1: Trans-Canada Highway and I-95
Taking Route 1, which is 4,402 km long, you'll need roughly 383.3 liters (101 gallons) of fuel. At $1.40 CAD per liter, the total cost of gas needed from Calgary, Alberta, to Boca Raton, Florida, would be approximately $536.
Route 2: Trans-Canada Highway and I-75
For Route 2, which is 4,585 km long, you'll need roughly 398.3 liters (105 gallons) of fuel. At $1.40 CAD per liter, the total cost of gas needed from Calgary, Alberta, to Boca Raton, Florida, would be approximately $558.
Route 3: CANAMEX and I-75
Finally, for Route 3, which is 4,872 km long, you'll need roughly 423.3 liters (112 gallons) of fuel. At $1.40 CAD per liter, the total cost of gas needed from Calgary, Alberta, to Boca Raton, Florida, would be approximately $593.
The Best Route
All three routes have their advantages and disadvantages, such as travel time, terrain, and distance.
The first route, while the shortest, is not the most practical in terms of time, as it will take you approximately 41 hours to cross a distance of 4,402 km. Additionally, you will experience challenging up and down the mountains that will definetly affect your vehicle's fuel efficiency.
The second route is 41 hours, while a bit longer, it offers a smoother and flatter terrain that could benefit your vehicle's fuel efficiency.
Finally, Route 3 is the longest and has a higher fuel cost due to the distance. However, this route is flat, has fewer mountain inclinations, and takes 45 hours to travel the 4,872 km. Despite the higher fuel cost, you stretch this almost 3000 miles distance in 45 hours.
Overall, Route 3 seems to be the best option, taking into consideration the flatter terrain, more comfortable drive, and road conditions.
Conclusion
When planning a long road trip, it is crucial to consider gas prices, distance, and various routes to reach your destination. Routes one, two, and three provide different options that would cater to all types of travelers. For those who want excitement and adventure before reaching their destination, Route 1 provides a scenic mountain trail for travelers who have a bit more time to spare. For those who prefer a more straightforward and easier-to-handle route, Route 2 might be the way to go. Finally, Route 3 provides a smoother running, flat terrain option to cover a longer distance. While there are pros and cons to each option, the total cost of gas for the trip ranges from $536 to $593, based on the current gas prices. All in all, buckle up, get behind the wheel, and enjoy the ride.