Driving Cost from Carson, California to Rocky Mound, Texas

A picture depicting a gas pump

Gas Prices Determine the Cost of a Trip Between Carson, California and Rocky Mound, Texas

Traveling between Carson, California, and Rocky Mound, Texas involves a lengthy journey through several states, with some possible routes more cost-effective than others. The prices of gas can determine how much you would spend on the trip. The following article will outline the different routes and their respective costs, ultimately recommending the best route for travelers on a budget.

Possible Routes

There are three primary route options for traveling between Carson and Rocky Mound:

  • Route 1: Interstate 10 East and US-59 North
  • Route 2: Interstate 40 East and US-287 South
  • Route 3: Interstate 15 East, Interstate 40 East and US-287 South

The first route is the shortest by distance but follows highways known for heavy traffic and toll roads. The second route is longer but provides an opportunity to avoid toll roads and traffic congestion. The third route offers the most scenic option, making use of Interstate 15 through the desert and giving travelers the chance to make a stop at the Grand Canyon National Park.

Cost of Each Route

The cost of gas affects the total cost of each route. Reports show that the average price of gas in California is around $3.58 per gallon, while Texas prices are lower, averaging around $2.60 per gallon as of 2021.

Route 1: Interstate 10 East and US-59 North

The shortest route between Los Angeles and Houston is via the Interstate 10 and US-59 North. The distance between Los Angeles and Houston is approximately 1600 miles which would typically take around 24 hours to complete.

In 2021, fuel cost on Route 1 would sum up to around $376 with a small car that has an average fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon (MPG) and around $451 with a 4-wheel drive that has an average fuel efficiency of 20 MPG. However, toll roads may add extra fees to the total travel cost, dependent on which toll roads you use, with tolls in excess of $20 for each toll road.

Route 2: Interstate 40 East and US-287 South

The second route between Los Angeles and Houston involves the use of Interstate 40 East and US-287 South. This route covers a distance of around 1,850 miles, taking approximately 28 hours to reach. This route bypasses heavily congested traffic around major cities and toll roads, making it ideal for those looking to save money on fuel and bypass toll fees.

Using the same fuel efficiency numbers as before, travel costs on route 2 would sum up to about $493 with a small car that has an average fuel efficiency of 25 MPG and $592 with a 4-wheel drive that has an average fuel efficiency of 20 MPG. On the bright side, travelers could save upwards of $100 on toll fees.

Route 3: Interstate 15 East, Interstate 40 East and US-287 South

The third route requires the use of three highways: Interstate 15 East, Interstate 40 East and US-287 South. This route covers a distance of around 1920 miles, taking approximately 30 hours to reach. However, this route takes you through remarkable sights such as the Grand Canyon, Petrified Forest National Park, and Sedona Red Rock Country while bypassing traffic congestion.

Using the same fuel efficiency numbers, travel costs on route 3 would sum up to about $517 with a small car that has an average fuel efficiency of 25 MPG and approximately $620 with a 4-wheel drive that has an average fuel efficiency of 20 MPG. The scenic route may also require paying some toll fees, although these fees are lower than those of Route 1.

Route 2, which involves the use of Interstate 40 East and US-287 South, is the most recommended route for travelers on a budget since it avoids toll fees. Although Route 1 is shorter by distance, that route has the highest potential for traffic congestion and carries a heavy toll fee. Route 3 may take travelers through the most remarkable sights, but the extra fuel expense combined with toll fees can be a significant cost increase.

Conclusion

The cost of a trip between Carson, California, and Rocky Mound, Texas is dependent on several factors such as fuel prices, route selection, and toll road fees. However, for those looking to save money on their trip, it is essential to note that Route 2, using Interstate 40 East and US-287 South, provides a cheaper option and bypasses toll roads. Whichever route you choose, expect your journey to take anywhere between 24 – 30 hours, depending on the route taken.