The Cost of a Trip from Centerton, Arkansas to Tuscaloosa, Alabama: Exploring the Different Routes

If you're planning a road trip from Centerton, Arkansas to Tuscaloosa, Alabama, one of the first things you'll want to know is how much it will cost. The cost of your trip will depend on a variety of factors, including the distance you're traveling, the type of vehicle you're driving, and current gas prices. In this article, we'll explore the different possible routes between Centerton and Tuscaloosa, highlight the cost and distance of each one, and recommend the best route based on cost and overall travel time.

Route 1: Via I-49 and I-20

One possible route from Centerton to Tuscaloosa is to take I-49 south to Shreveport, LA, and then take I-20 east through Jackson, MS, and Birmingham, AL before reaching Tuscaloosa. This route covers a total distance of approximately 577 miles, with an estimated travel time of 9 hours and 20 minutes without stops.

The cost of this trip will depend on several factors, such as the fuel efficiency of your vehicle, current gas prices, and tolls on the route. Assuming an average gas mileage of 25 miles per gallon and current gas prices of $2.50 per gallon, the estimated cost of this route would be around $98 for gas alone. However, be prepared to pay additional tolls along the way, as this route has several toll roads.

Route 2: Via I-49, I-10, I-65, and I-20

Another possible route is to take I-49 south to Lafayette, LA, from there head east on I-10 through Mobile, AL, then north on I-65 until you reach Birmingham, and finally take I-20 to Tuscaloosa. This route covers a total distance of approximately 665 miles, with an estimated travel time of 10 hours and 40 minutes without stops.

The cost of this trip will also depend on the fuel efficiency of your vehicle, current gas prices, and tolls. Using the same estimates as before (25 miles per gallon and $2.50 per gallon of gas), the estimated cost of this route would be around $115 for gas alone. This route also has several toll roads, so be prepared to pay additional toll fees.

Route 3: Via US-71 and I-20

A third possible route is to take US-71 south towards Texarkana, then take I-30 east to Little Rock, AR, and then use I-169 and US-82 until it reaches Tuscaloosa. This route covers a total distance of approximately 611 miles, with an estimated travel time of 10 hours and 20 minutes without stops.

The cost of this trip will also depend on fuel efficiency, current gas prices, and tolls if there are any. Using the same gas mileage and gas price estimates as before, the estimated cost of this route would be around $104 for gas. This route does not seem to have any tolls.

Which Route is The Best?

So, which of these possible routes is the best one to take from a cost perspective? Based on the estimates above, Route 1 has the lowest estimated cost, followed by Route 3 and, finally, Route 2.

Not only does Route 1 have the lowest estimated gas costs, but it also has fewer toll roads than Route 2. Additionally, Route 1 is the most direct route, with the shortest distance and travel time.

Final Thoughts

When planning a road trip, it's essential to consider the cost of the journey. As we've seen, the cost will depend on several factors, such as the distance, fuel efficiency, and current gas prices.

From Centerton, Arkansas, there are several possible routes to reach Tuscaloosa, Alabama. However, based on our analysis, we believe that Route 1, via I-49 and I-20, is the best choice for travelers looking to minimize fuel costs and travel time.

No matter which route you choose, be prepared for any additional expenses such as accommodation costs, food expenses, and entertainment costs that you may incur along the way.

Overall, enjoy the journey and take the time to appreciate the vast and beautiful landscapes that the United States have to offer. Good luck, and safe travels!