The Cost of a Road Trip between Chanute, KS and Pelham, AL
If you're planning a road trip from Chanute, Kansas to Pelham, Alabama, one of your main concerns is probably the cost of the trip. A lot can depend on the route you choose, the fuel efficiency of your vehicle, and the current gas prices. In this article, we'll break down the different possible routes between Chanute and Pelham and the cost and distance of each one, so you can make an informed decision about which route to take.
Route 1: The Most Direct Route
The most direct route from Chanute, KS to Pelham, AL is to take I-35 South to I-40 East, then take I-65 South down to Pelham. This route is the shortest distance, clocking in at approximately 768 miles.
Assuming your vehicle gets an average of 25 miles per gallon (MPG) on the highway and gas prices are around $2.50 per gallon, you can expect to spend around $92 on gas for the trip one way. This is based on the assumption that the cost for the gas is using 778 miles of travel.
Pros:
- Shortest distance
- Direct freeway driving
Cons:
- May be the most expensive route due to its lack of "side" alternatives and its longer traversals on main highways
- Commuting time usually exceeds 10 hours
Route 2: Taking US-69 South
Another option is to take US-69 South from Chanute to Jasper, TX, then connect to I-10 East to I-65 South. This route is slightly longer, at around 853 miles, but could be cheaper due to more affordable fuel prices along the route.
Assuming your vehicle gets the average of 25 MPG on the highway and gas prices are at $2.50 per gallon, you can estimate to spend around $98 on gas for the trip one way. This estimate is based on an assumed travel distance of 871 miles.
Pros:
- Opportunity for lower gas prices
- Direct freeway driving from Texas
Cons:
- Increased distance
- Nearby cities in Texas may cause traffic
Route 3: Taking US-71 South to Texarkana
Finally, another option is to take US-71 South from Chanute, then connect to I-30 East in Texarkana, and take I-30 to I-65 in Birmingham, AL. This route is longer than the direct route, at around 935 miles.
Assuming your vehicle gets the average of 25 MPG on the highway and gas prices are at $2.50 per gallon, you can expect to spend around $107 on gas for the trip one way. The cost for this gas estimate is based on the assumption of the cost of gas for the 949-mile distance.
Pros:
- Opportunity for lower gas prices
- Quainter towns to visit along the way.
Cons:
- Increased distance
- Lack of available freeways to travel via
Conclusion:
Based on current gas prices and the distance of each route, the most direct route (#1) is the cheapest option for a road trip from Chanute, KS, to Pelham, AL. The total gas cost is projected to be around $92, assuming the average of 25 MPG and the gas prices of $2.50 per gallon. However, considering the added distance in the third route and the increased time of that route, these alternates may still have charm and value.