Driving Cost from DeLand, Florida to Nacogdoches, Texas

A picture depicting a gas pump

Estimating the Cost of a Road Trip from DeLand, Florida to Nacogdoches, Texas: Navigating Routes and Gas Expenses

Planning a road trip from DeLand, Florida, to Nacogdoches, Texas, brings to mind thoughts of open roads, scenic views, and the excitement of exploring new places. However, before hitting the road, it’s essential to consider the cost of the journey, especially regarding fuel expenses. As of October 2023, gas prices fluctuate, yet average around $3.50 per gallon. Let’s explore your travel options, calculate the overall expenses, and deduce which route offers the best balance between cost and enjoyment.

Total Distance and Estimated Travel Time

The distance from DeLand to Nacogdoches covers approximately 650 miles, depending on the chosen route. Driving time can range from 10 to 12 hours, excluding breaks for food, nature calls, and scenic stops. The typical traveler may want to plan for a full day of driving, allowing for an overnight stay if desired.

Route Options

When planning your trip, several potential routes connect DeLand and Nacogdoches. Each option comes with its unique scenery, driving conditions, and costs associated with fuel. Let’s break down the primary routes available.

Route 1: Via I-10 West

Distance: 650 miles
Estimated Driving Time: 10 hours
Type: Primarily Interstate

  1. Starting in DeLand, head west on I-4.
  2. Connect with I-10 in Tallahassee, Florida.
  3. Continue on I-10, crossing the state line into Alabama and then into Mississippi.
  4. In Louisiana, exit onto US-59 towards Texas.
  5. Follow US-59 to Nacogdoches.

Cost Breakdown

  • Fuel Efficiency: Assuming an average vehicle fuel economy of 25 miles per gallon (mpg), you’ll need 26 gallons of fuel.
  • Total Fuel Cost: 26 gallons x $3.50 = $91.00

Pros and Cons:

  • Pros: This route uses primarily interstate highways, offering smooth travel with plenty of rest areas and amenities.
  • Cons: It can be monotonous as it lacks major scenic byways or attractions along the way.

Route 2: Via US-90 West

Distance: 625 miles
Estimated Driving Time: 11 hours
Type: Mix of US highways and some interstate

  1. Depart from DeLand heading towards US-17.
  2. Connect to US-90 via US-441.
  3. Continue on US-90 through several towns, such as Lake City, Florida, and cross the state line into Alabama.
  4. Merge into I-10 briefly, then return to US-90 as you continue towards Louisiana.
  5. Finally, turn onto Texas State Highway 21 to reach Nacogdoches.

Cost Breakdown

  • Fuel Efficiency: With the same vehicle economy of 25 mpg, you’ll consume approximately 25 gallons of fuel.
  • Total Fuel Cost: 25 gallons x $3.50 = $87.50

Pros and Cons:

  • Pros: This route offers more small-town charm and scenic views, allowing for a more immersive experience of the southern landscape.
  • Cons: It may take longer due to more towns and stops along the way.

Route 3: Via US-77 and US-59

Distance: 670 miles
Estimated Driving Time: 12 hours
Type: Rural Routes and US Highways

  1. Depart DeLand and head towards US-41.
  2. Take US-77 straight through Florida, venturing into southern Georgia before entering Alabama.
  3. Continue to merge with US-59 and follow it into Texas until reaching Nacogdoches.

Cost Breakdown

  • Fuel Efficiency: This route also averages around 25 mpg, leading you to need about 27 gallons of gas.
  • Total Fuel Cost: 27 gallons x $3.50 = $94.50

Pros and Cons:

  • Pros: This route is more scenic, winding through rolling hills and quaint rural towns.
  • Cons: It's significantly longer, making it a less convenient option for most travelers.

After diving into the details of each route, I recommend taking Route 2 via US-90 West. While it is slightly longer in terms of travel time compared to Route 1, it offers a combination of small-town experiences and scenic landscapes, breaking the monotony of interstate travel. The cost is reasonably low at $87.50 for fuel, making it an economical choice as well.

Additional Costs to Consider

While fuel costs play a significant part in the overall budget for a road trip, consider other expenses that may arise during your journey.

Food and Drinks

On a lengthy road trip, you’ll likely need to stop for meals and snacks. Estimate around $10-$15 per meal per person, and budget an additional $5-$10 for snacks and drinks. For example, if you stop for three meals and buy snacks:

  • Estimated Total for Food: $15 (three meals) + $15 (snacks) = $30.00 per person.

Lodging

If you decide to break your journey into two days, or if you’re traveling solo, it’s wise to budget for accommodations. Motel rates in the area may average around $70-$100 per night.

  • Estimated Total for Lodging: $85.00 (one night)

Miscellaneous Expenses

Don’t forget to set aside some cash for tolls, souvenirs, or unexpected expenses. A budget of approximately $20 should suffice.

Total Estimated Trip Cost

  • Fuel: $87.50
  • Food: $30.00 (per person)
  • Lodging: $85.00 (if applicable)
  • Miscellaneous: $20.00
  • Estimated Total Cost for One Person (including lodging): $222.50
  • Estimated Total Cost for Two People (including lodging): $312.50

Conclusion

The road trip from DeLand, Florida, to Nacogdoches, Texas, typically requires about 10 to 12 hours of drive time, covering approximately 625 to 670 miles, depending on the route chosen. The recommended route via US-90 West offers not only a manageable cost of around $87.50 for fuel but also a scenic journey filled with picturesque towns along the way. Overall, the experience provides a perfect blend of road travel enjoyment, cultural exploration, and budget-friendly planning, making it a memorable adventure worth taking.