Calculating the Cost of a Road Trip from Delaware, Ohio to Portland, Oregon Based on Current Gas Prices
Planning a road trip from Delaware, Ohio, to Portland, Oregon? As you prepare for this exciting journey, it’s essential to understand the costs involved, particularly those associated with fuel expenses. This article breaks down the different possible routes, calculates gas costs based on current prices, and ultimately recommends the most cost-effective option for your trip.
Distance and Routes Overview
The distance between Delaware, Ohio, and Portland, Oregon, spans approximately 2,400 miles. Depending on the route you take, this distance may vary slightly. Here are three popular routes you can consider for this trip:
- I-70 W and I-84 W
- I-80 W
- I-90 W
Let’s explore each route in more detail, highlighting the distance, travel time, and fuel costs.
Route 1: I-70 W and I-84 W
Distance and Travel Time
Taking I-70 W and I-84 W is one of the most direct routes to Portland. This route covers approximately 2,400 miles and usually requires about 36 hours of driving time under ideal conditions without extended breaks.
Gas Cost Calculation
As of the latest data, the average gas price is around $3.50 per gallon. Assuming your vehicle averages about 25 miles per gallon, you will need roughly 96 gallons of gas for this route.
Gas Cost Calculation:
- Total miles: 2,400
- Fuel efficiency: 25 MPG
- Total gallons needed: 2,400 miles / 25 MPG = 96 gallons
- Total gas cost: 96 gallons * $3.50 = $336
Summary
The total estimated cost of gas for the I-70 W and I-84 W route is $336.
Route 2: I-80 W
Distance and Travel Time
The I-80 W route is about 2,600 miles long, adding around 200 miles compared to the previous route. The driving time for this route is around 40-42 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.
Gas Cost Calculation
Using the same gas price of $3.50 per gallon and a fuel efficiency of 25 mpg, let’s calculate the gas needed for this longer route.
Gas Cost Calculation:
- Total miles: 2,600
- Fuel efficiency: 25 MPG
- Total gallons needed: 2,600 miles / 25 MPG = 104 gallons
- Total gas cost: 104 gallons * $3.50 = $364
Summary
The total estimated cost of gas for the I-80 W route is $364.
Route 3: I-90 W
Distance and Travel Time
The I-90 W route provides another option. This route spans approximately 2,800 miles, making it the longest of the three. Expect around 44-48 hours of driving time.
Gas Cost Calculation
Following the same average gas price and fuel efficiency, let’s calculate the cost for this extended route.
Gas Cost Calculation:
- Total miles: 2,800
- Fuel efficiency: 25 MPG
- Total gallons needed: 2,800 miles / 25 MPG = 112 gallons
- Total gas cost: 112 gallons * $3.50 = $392
Summary
The total estimated cost of gas for the I-90 W route is $392.
Comparison of Routes
| Route | Distance (miles) | Estimated Driving Time | Gallons Needed | Estimated Gas Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| I-70 W and I-84 W | 2,400 | 36 hours | 96 gallons | $336 |
| I-80 W | 2,600 | 40-42 hours | 104 gallons | $364 |
| I-90 W | 2,800 | 44-48 hours | 112 gallons | $392 |
Best Route Recommendation
Based on the cost and distance analyses, the best route for a road trip from Delaware, Ohio, to Portland, Oregon, is via I-70 W and I-84 W. This route not only presents the shortest distance but also offers the lowest estimated fuel cost at $336. Moreover, the driving time of approximately 36 hours makes it the most efficient option for travelers looking to maximize their time on the road while minimizing expenses.
Conclusion
Embarking on a road trip from Delaware, Ohio, to Portland, Oregon, is an adventure packed with scenic views and discoveries. By choosing the I-70 W and I-84 W route, you'll not only cover approximately 2,400 miles but also complete your journey with estimated gas costs of about $336. This combination of distance and cost-effectiveness makes it the optimal choice for road trippers eager to explore the Northwest without breaking the bank. Safe travels!