Driving Cost from Cedar Park, Texas to Buda, Texas

A picture depicting a gas pump

The Cost of a Trip between Cedar Park and Buda: Navigating the Best Route Based on Gas Prices

Are you planning a trip between Cedar Park and Buda, Texas? Whether you're heading to visit family, taking a weekend getaway, or driving for business, knowing the cost of your trip is important for budgeting purposes. Gas prices can fluctuate, and different routes can have varying distances and costs. This article will break down the various routes, their distances, and the estimated costs based on current gas prices, so you can make an informed decision about the best route for your needs.

Possible Routes

There are three main routes to take between Cedar Park and Buda, each with their own pros and cons.

Route 1: Via I-35S

The most straightforward route is via I-35S. This route is the fastest and most direct, taking you straight down the interstate. However, it is also the most heavily trafficked and can become congested during peak hours.

Distance: 30.4 miles

Time: Approximately 35 minutes with no traffic

Route 2: Via TX-130

If you're looking to avoid the congested I-35, the TX-130 toll road offers a more scenic and less crowded route. The downside is that it can be more expensive, as it is a toll road.

Distance: 36.8 miles

Time: Approximately 40 minutes with no traffic

Toll: $6.65 one way

Route 3: Via Westinghouse Road

If you're looking for a more indirect, less traffic-heavy and potentially more scenic route, you can take Westinghouse Road. This route also has the added benefit of avoiding toll roads altogether. However, it is not as direct as the other two routes and may take slightly longer.

Distance: 32.2 miles

Time: Approximately 45 minutes with no traffic

Current Gas Prices

Before we delve into the costs of each route, it's important to understand the current gas prices in Texas. According to GasBuddy, as of July 2021, the average gas price in Texas is $2.75 per gallon.

Estimated Costs

Using the distance of each route and the current gas prices, we can estimate the cost of a round trip between Cedar Park and Buda.

Route 1: Via I-35S

The distance of this route is 30.4 miles, so a round trip would be 60.8 miles. Estimating a gas mileage of 25 miles per gallon and gas prices of $2.75 per gallon, the total cost for this trip is:

60.8 / 25 = 2.432 gallons of gas 2.432 gallons of gas * $2.75 per gallon = $6.6748

Estimated cost: $6.67

Route 2: Via TX-130

The distance of this route is 36.8 miles, so a round trip would be 73.6 miles. Estimating a gas mileage of 25 miles per gallon and gas prices of $2.75 per gallon, the total cost for this trip is:

73.6 / 25 = 2.944 gallons of gas 2.944 gallons of gas * $2.75 per gallon = $8.084

Toll cost: $6.65

Estimated total cost: $14.73

Route 3: Via Westinghouse Road

The distance of this route is 32.2 miles, so a round trip would be 64.4 miles. Estimating a gas mileage of 25 miles per gallon and gas prices of $2.75 per gallon, the total cost for this trip is:

64.4 / 25 = 2.576 gallons of gas 2.576 gallons of gas * $2.75 per gallon = $7.081

Estimated cost: $7.08

Based on the estimated costs, it is no surprise that Route 1 is the most cost-effective, with an estimated cost of only $6.67 for the round trip. It may be tempting to take Route 2 to avoid traffic, but the toll fee adds up. Route 3, although cheaper than Route 2, is not as direct and may take longer.

Conclusion

If you're planning a trip between Cedar Park and Buda, it's important to consider the various routes and their costs. Based on current gas prices, the most cost-effective route is via I-35S, with an estimated cost of $6.67 for the round trip. However, if you're willing to pay for the toll road and prefer a less crowded route, TX-130 may be the way to go. Ultimately, knowing the estimated costs can help you budget for your trip and make the best decision based on your specific needs. Safe travels!