Driving Cost from Denver, Colorado to Saint Charles, Missouri

A picture depicting a gas pump

Navigating the Cost of a Road Trip: Denver, Colorado to Saint Charles, Missouri

Planning a road trip from Denver, Colorado to Saint Charles, Missouri? Understanding the costs involved in this journey can help you make informed decisions about routes and budgeting for the trip. This article breaks down various routes based on current gas prices, estimated distances, and overall expenses. By the end, you'll have a clear picture of what to expect financially as you embark on this exciting adventure.

Overview of the Trip

Before diving into the routes, it's essential to understand the starting and ending points. Denver, located at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, offers a stunning backdrop, while Saint Charles, a charming suburb of St. Louis, boasts a rich history and vibrant community. The distance between these two locations can range from 600 to 650 miles, depending on the chosen route.

Current Gas Prices and Calculating Fuel Costs

As of October 2023, the average gas price in Colorado hovers around $3.50 per gallon. This price can fluctuate based on the exact location and type of gas you choose to fuel your vehicle. For the sake of calculations, let's assume your vehicle averages 25 miles per gallon. Here’s a simple formula to calculate your fuel costs:

  1. Total Distance: Approximately 620 miles (considering an average route).
  2. Miles Per Gallon (MPG): 25 MPG.
  3. Gas Price: $3.50 per gallon.

The formula for total fuel cost is:

[ \text = \frac{\text}{\text} \times \text ]

Calculating:

[ \text = \frac{620 \text}{25 \text} \times 3.50 = 86.00 ]

Based on this, you'll spend approximately $86.00 on gas for the trip.

Route Options

Route 1: I-70 East

Distance: Approximately 610 miles
Estimated Time: 9 hours

The most common and straightforward route from Denver to Saint Charles is via I-70 East. This highway takes you straight through Kansas and into Missouri. Key highlights along this route include:

  • Stops: Consider stopping in places like Limon, Kansas City, Wyandotte County, and Columbia if you're looking for breaks or meal opportunities.
  • Cost (Gas Calculation): Based on the calculations above, you would pay approximately $85.00 in gas.

Route 2: I-25 South to I-70 East via US-50

Distance: Approximately 640 miles
Estimated Time: 10 hours

An alternative route involves taking I-25 South from Denver to connect to US-50, which will then merge back into I-70 East. This trip adds extra mileage but offers some scenic views through the mountains and canyons in Colorado.

  • Stops: Consider exploring Cañon City or Pueblo for local attractions, shops, and dining opportunities.
  • Cost (Gas Calculation): This route increases fuel cost slightly due to the additional mileage. You’d spend around $93.00 in gas on this route.

Route 3: Scenic Byways

Distance: Approximately 650 miles
Estimated Time: 12 hours

If you have more time and want to experience the beautiful terrains of Colorado and Missouri, consider taking scenic byways. This route can include a mix of highways and backroads, offering breathtaking views of the Rockies and expansive farmland in Missouri.

  • Stops: You may want to explore unique destinations, such as Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs or the picturesque Ozarks in Missouri.
  • Cost (Gas Calculation): Given the added mileage, your fuel cost would be approximately $104.00.

Choosing the Best Route

Considering time, cost, and the overall experience of the trip, I-70 East is the recommended route. While other routes offer scenic views, they significantly increase travel time and costs. The I-70 route provides a good balance of speed and scenery, allowing you to reach your destination efficiently while still offering opportunities to stop and enjoy local attractions if desired.

Additional Trip Costs

While gas is a significant portion of your travel budget, other costs can add up quickly. Here are a few considerations:

Food

Plan for meal expenses along the way. Depending on your dining choices:

  • Fast Food: $10 per person per meal.
  • Casual Dining: $20 per person per meal.
  • Total Estimate for a Family of Four (One Meal):
    • Fast Food: $40
    • Casual Dining: $80

Accommodations

If you plan to break the journey with an overnight stay:

  • Budget Hotels: Approximately $80 – $120 per night.
  • Mid-Range Hotels: Approximately $150 – $250 per night.

Tolls

While the I-70 route does not feature many tolls, it's advisable to check your GPS or route planner for any minor toll roads, particularly in and around urban areas. Budget a small amount just in case, perhaps around $10 – $15.

Conclusion

In total, the journey from Denver, Colorado, to Saint Charles, Missouri, by taking the I-70 East route will cover about 610 miles and take around 9 hours. With a gas cost of approximately $85.00, plus additional expenses for food and accommodations, you can expect the trip to remain budget-friendly while offering a pleasant drive through Colorado and Missouri. Enjoy your road trip – there’s a lot to see on the way!