The Cost of Driving from Denver to Wellington: A Budget-Friendly Guide Based on Current Gas Prices
Planning a trip from Denver to Wellington? You’re in for a treat. The scenic drive offers a perfect chance to enjoy the open road while discovering some hidden gems along the way. In this blog post, we’ll break down the costs associated with your drive, considering different routes, current gas prices, and the total expenses you'll incur. Let's dive right in!
Route 1: I-25 North
The most straightforward route takes you on I-25 N. This highway is not only the fastest but also provides beautiful views of the Colorado landscape.
- Distance: Approximately 65 miles
- Time: Roughly 1 hour 10 minutes
Cost Breakdown:
Gas Cost: As of October 2023, average gas prices in Colorado hover around $3.50 per gallon. Assuming your vehicle gets about 25 miles per gallon, you’ll need around 2.6 gallons for the trip. Therefore, your gas cost will be approximately $9.10.
Tolls: Good news! This route does not include any tolls, so you can save those extra bucks!
Total Cost for Route 1: Approximately $9.10
Route 2: I-70 E to I-25 N
Another route to consider is taking I-70 E to I-25 N. While it adds a bit more time, you’ll encounter some stunning scenery along the way.
- Distance: About 75 miles
- Time: Around 1 hour 30 minutes
Cost Breakdown:
Gas Cost: Using the same gas price of $3.50 per gallon and your vehicle’s efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, you'll need about 3 gallons for this leg of the journey. Your gas cost will be around $10.50.
Tolls: Similar to the first route, this one also doesn’t have any tolls, making it a cost-effective choice!
Total Cost for Route 2: Approximately $10.50
Route 3: The Scenic Backroads
For those who love a more leisurely drive, taking the side roads offers a beautiful view of rural Colorado. Following Colorado State Highway 87, you can enjoy a nice drive off the beaten track.
- Distance: Around 70 miles
- Time: About 1 hour 25 minutes
Cost Breakdown:
Gas Cost: At an average of $3.50 per gallon and a mileage of 25 miles per gallon, you'll use 2.8 gallons of gas. This brings your total gas cost to roughly $9.80.
Tolls: You guessed it—no tolls on this route either!
Total Cost for Route 3: Approximately $9.80
Final Thoughts
Whichever route you choose, the cost for driving from Denver to Wellington remains budget-friendly, thanks to no tolls and reasonable gas prices. From the highway hustle to the scenic backroads, there’s something for everyone. Whether you want the fastest route or prefer to take a leisurely drive, you can enjoy beautiful views and minimize your expenses.
Safe travels, and enjoy the journey!