Driving Cost from Downtown Kansas City, Missouri to Tucson, Arizona

A picture depicting a gas pump

The Cost of Driving from Downtown Kansas City to Tucson: Your Wallet Will Thank You!

Are you ready for an adventure from the heart of Kansas City all the way down to the sunny landscapes of Tucson? With current gas prices hovering around $3.50 per gallon, let’s explore a couple of routes you can take. Along the way, we'll break down the distances, times, and costs so you can plan your trip without any financial surprises!

Route 1: I-40 West

The first option is the classic route: taking I-40 West. This route is well-traveled and comes with its own scenic views.

Distance and Time

  • Distance: Approximately 1,100 miles
  • Time: Roughly 16 hours of driving time, not including breaks.

Cost Breakdown

  1. Gas Costs: If your vehicle gets about 25 miles per gallon, you will use about 44 gallons of gas for this trip. At $3.50 per gallon, that’s:

    • 44 gallons x $3.50 = $154.00 for gas.

  2. Toll Costs: Luckily, this route doesn't have significant toll costs, so you can save a few bucks there.

In total, expect to spend around $154.00 on gas alone for this route, making it an economical choice!

Route 2: I-70 West to I-15 South

Another option is to take I-70 West to I-15 South, which can give you a refreshing change of scenery.

Distance and Time

  • Distance: About 1,200 miles
  • Time: Approximately 18 hours of driving time.

Cost Breakdown

  1. Gas Costs: Using the same vehicle efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, you’ll need about 48 gallons of fuel. At $3.50 per gallon, your cost will be:

    • 48 gallons x $3.50 = $168.00.

  2. Toll Costs: This route does include some tolls, approximately $25.00, depending on the specific highways you choose.

When you combine these expenses, you can expect to pay about $193.00 in total, including gas and tolls.

Summary: Which Route to Choose?

To sum it up, you have two fantastic routes to get from Downtown Kansas City to Tucson:

  • Route 1 (I-40 West):

    • Distance: 1,100 miles
    • Time: 16 hours
    • Cost: $154.00 (gas only)

  • Route 2 (I-70 West to I-15 South):

    • Distance: 1,200 miles
    • Time: 18 hours
    • Cost: $193.00 (including gas and tolls)

While Route 1 is more cost-effective, Route 2 offers a diverse experience worth considering. Whatever route you choose, be sure to relish the journey, enjoy the changing landscapes, and most importantly, drive safely! Happy travels!