The Cost of a Road Trip between Chantilly, Virginia and San Antonio, Texas

Planning a road trip is exciting, but it can also be daunting. One of the most significant considerations is the total cost for the journey. The distance between Chantilly, Virginia, and San Antonio, Texas, is approximately 1,350 miles or 2,170 kilometers. The trip requires factoring in the distance, gas prices, and possible routes to determine the total cost. In this article, we’ll explore the cost of a road trip between Chantilly, Virginia, and San Antonio, Texas, based on current gas prices, routes, and driving times.

Possible Routes

Before delving into the cost of the trip, it’s important to discuss the different routes available. There are three main routes to drive from Chantilly, Virginia, to San Antonio, Texas:

Route 1: I-81 S and I-40 W

This route takes you through some beautiful countryside. You’ll begin in Chantilly, Virginia, take I-81 S, and then I-40 W to San Antonio, Texas. The total distance of this route is 1,635 miles, and it takes around 25 hours to drive. This route includes tolls and may not be the cheapest although it could be the most scenic one.

Route 2: I-85 S and I-20 W

This route is shorter than Route 1 but may not be as scenic. You’ll begin in Chantilly, Virginia, take I-85 S, and then I-20 W to San Antonio, Texas. The total distance of this route is 1,425 miles, and it takes around 21 hours to drive. This route includes several toll roads and could be more expensive than Route 3.

Route 3: I-64 W and I-40 W

Route 3 is the shortest and cheapest route. You’ll begin in Chantilly, Virginia, take I-64 W, and then I-40 W to San Antonio, Texas. The total distance of this route is 1,340 miles, and it takes around 20 hours to drive.

Determining the Cost

Now that we’ve discussed the possible routes let's try to figure out the total cost for each using current gas prices.

According to AAA's Daily Fuel Gauge Report, the current average price of regular gasoline in the Virginia area is around $3.04 per gallon. On the other hand, in Texas, the price of regular gasoline is around $2.65 per gallon. Based on these price points, we can assume that the average cost of gas for the entire trip is around $174.12 to San Antonio and back based on the average of 25.5 miles per gallon depending on the vehicle.

Route 1: I-81 S and I-40 W

The total distance covered in Route 1 is 1,635 miles. For a vehicle with an average fuel economy of 25.5 miles per gallon, you’ll need to purchase approximately 64.1 gallons of gasoline. This means that the total cost of gas for the trip will cost an estimated $170.51. Add in around $100 for tolls, and the total cost of the trip is around $270.51.

Route 2: I-85 S and I-20 W

The total distance covered in Route 2 is 1,425 miles. For a vehicle with an average fuel economy of 25.5 miles per gallon, you’ll need to purchase around 55.9 gallons of gasoline. This means that the total cost of gas for the trip will be roughly $148.39. Add in different tolls which could amount to around $120, and the total cost of the trip would be around $268.39.

Route 3: I-64 W and I-40 W

The total distance covered in Route 3 is 1,340 miles. For a vehicle with an average fuel economy of 25.5 miles per gallon, you’ll need to purchase around 52.5 gallons of gasoline. This means that the total cost of gas for the trip will be around $139.32. Since this route involves fewer toll roads, the tolls could be around $30, which means the total cost of the trip would be an estimated $169.32.

The Best Route

The best route for you depends on your preference and budget. If you want to enjoy beautiful countryside, you may choose Route 1, which is longer but can be more scenic. However, it is the most expensive because of the additional tolls. If you are looking for the shortest and cheapest route, go with Route 3. Generally speaking, it has fewer tolls and less distance for a total cost of around $170 for gas and tolls. Lastly, if you want to hit somewhere in Tennessee or Georgia, you could take Route 2, but bear in mind that the route has more tolls, which is the most expensive of all three routes.

Conclusion

The total cost of a trip from Chantilly, Virginia to San Antonio, Texas, is based on many variables, such as gas prices, the route you take, and the cost of tolls. The distance between Chantilly and San Antonio is around 1,350 miles, and as such, the trip is quite long. If you prefer the least expensive route, Route 3 is the best option, while if you desire a more scenic route, opt for Route 1.

When planning your road trip, bear in mind gas prices can fluctuate, but with the guidelines provided here, you'll have an idea of what to expect from the total cost of the trip. Don’t forget to budget other expenses such as meals, accommodations, and sightseeing. However, this guide only includes gas and toll costs, which are a great way to start planning your budget. Once you have planned everything out, you’ll be ready to hit the road!