The Cost of Driving from Downtown Kansas City to Hot Springs, Arkansas: A Gas Price Breakdown
Planning a road trip from Downtown Kansas City, Missouri, to Hot Springs, Arkansas, can be exciting! However, knowing the costs involved can help you budget your voyage wisely. In this blog post, we’ll break down different routes you can take, their distances, approximate travel times, and associated costs based on current gas prices. Let’s get started!
Route 1: I-70 E and I-30 S (The Quickest Route)
This route is the most direct, taking you straight into Hot Springs via Interstate highways.
- Distance: approximately 350 miles
- Time: around 5 hours 30 minutes
- Gas Prices: As of now, the average gas price in Kansas City is around $3.50 per gallon.
Gas Cost Calculation:
Assuming your vehicle gets around 25 miles per gallon, you would need about 14 gallons of gas for this trip. Thus, the gas cost would be:
14 gallons x $3.50 = $49.00
Tolls:
The great news? This route has no tolls! So, you can simply enjoy the drive without worrying about extra fees along the way.
Route 2: I-49 S (The Scenic Route)
If you have a bit more time and prefer a scenic drive, consider taking I-49 S. This route showcases some beautiful landscapes as you drift through the Ozarks.
- Distance: approximately 360 miles
- Time: about 6 hours
- Gas Prices: The average gas price remains steady at $3.50 per gallon.
Gas Cost Calculation:
With the same fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, you'll need about 14.4 gallons of gas. Therefore, your gas cost would be:
14.4 gallons x $3.50 = $50.40
Tolls:
Like Route 1, this route also does not entail any tolls, making it a great option for those who want to save on additional costs.
Route 3: I-70 E and US-67 S (The Longer Option)
For those who like to explore, this route adds a bit of extra mileage but allows you to see more cities along the way.
- Distance: approximately 375 miles
- Time: approximately 6 hours 30 minutes
- Gas Prices: Sticking with the current gas price of $3.50 per gallon.
Gas Cost Calculation:
With your vehicle's fuel efficiency remaining at 25 miles per gallon, you’ll need around 15 gallons of gas for this longer trek. The gas cost would therefore be:
15 gallons x $3.50 = $52.50
Tolls:
This route also features no tolls, so you can cruise comfortably without any surprise payments.
Conclusion
Choosing the right route from Downtown Kansas City to Hot Springs can depend on how much you value time, scenery, or both! The quickest option, Route 1, will run you about $49.00 in gas for 350 miles and 5.5 hours. For a more scenic experience, Route 2 offers a slight uptick in cost to $50.40 over 360 miles and 6 hours. Finally, if you're feeling adventurous, Route 3 provides beautiful views for about $52.50 while covering 375 miles in about 6.5 hours.
Before you set off, make sure to fill up and enjoy your drive to Hot Springs, where relaxation and adventure await! Safe travels!