The Cost of Driving from Downtown Kansas City, Missouri to Mesa, Arizona: A Road Trip Breakdown
Planning a road trip from Downtown Kansas City to sunny Mesa, Arizona? Fantastic choice! With its beautiful landscapes and warm weather, Mesa is the perfect getaway. However, one of the biggest considerations for your journey will be the cost. So let's dive into the specifics, including different routes, distances, travel times, and, of course, fuel costs based on current gas prices.
Route 1: The I-70 West to I-40 West
For the first route, take the scenic I-70 West to I-40 West. This route is straightforward and offers a nice blend of highways that takes you through several states.
- Distance: Approximately 1,060 miles
- Time: Roughly 16 hours
- Gas Price Estimate: Assuming an average gas price of $3.60 per gallon and a vehicle fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, your total fuel cost would be about $151.20.
Additional Costs:
You might encounter some tolls along the way, so add another $20 for those minor expenses.
Total Estimated Cost: About $171.20
Route 2: The I-70 West to I-25 South
If you're looking for a slightly longer route with more varied scenery, you could opt for the I-70 West to I-25 South. This route will take you through parts of Colorado and New Mexico, providing stunning mountain vistas and desert landscapes.
- Distance: Roughly 1,120 miles
- Time: Approximately 18 hours
- Gas Price Estimate: Using the same gas price of $3.60 per gallon, along with a fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, your fuel cost for this journey would be about $161.28.
Additional Costs:
Like the first route, you'll encounter tolls, which could add up to about $25.
Total Estimated Cost: Around $186.28
Route 3: The I-44 South to I-40 West
Lastly, consider the friendly and less direct path of I-44 South to I-40 West. This route takes you through interesting towns and different terrains, giving you a taste of the local culture.
- Distance: Approximately 1,050 miles
- Time: About 15 hours and 30 minutes
- Gas Price Estimate: With the same gas price assumption of $3.60 per gallon and vehicle efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, your fuel cost comes to about $151.20.
Additional Costs:
This route has fewer tolls, so you might spend about $15.
Total Estimated Cost: Recent estimates put this trip at around $166.20
Wrapping It Up
Ultimately, the cost of your road trip from Kansas City to Mesa will depend on your chosen route, but having a clearer understanding of the distances, travel times, and expenses certainly helps plan your budget. Consistently check gas prices before you leave, as they can fluctuate. No matter which route you choose, ensuring a fun and memorable journey is what really counts. Happy travels!