The Cost of Driving From Duluth, Georgia to Montrose, Colorado: A Fuel Price Breakdown
Planning a road trip from Duluth, Georgia to Montrose, Colorado is exciting! However, figuring out the cost of the journey can be daunting. Luckily, with current gas prices around $3.40 per gallon (as of October 2023), let's break down the overall expense based on a couple of different routes.
Route 1: The Scenic Route via I-70 W
One of the most picturesque routes takes you through the I-70 W. This route covers approximately 850 miles and can generally be completed in about 12 hours of driving time. However, including breaks, you might want to budget for 15-16 hours overall.
Breakdown of Costs:
- Gas Consumption: Assuming your vehicle averages 25 miles per gallon, you'll need about 34 gallons of gas.
- Total Fuel Cost: At $3.40 per gallon, you'll spend roughly $116 on gas.
- Tolls: While this route is mostly toll-free, you may encounter a few small fees; budget around $10 for any unexpected tolls.
So for this scenic drive, you're looking at a grand total of $126 for your trip!
Route 2: The Direct Route via I-85 N and I-70 W
If time is more of a priority, the direct route will save you precious hours. This path stretches about 820 miles with a driving time of around 11 hours. Adding breaks and meal stops, you can expect to spend 14-15 hours on this journey.
Breakdown of Costs:
- Gas Consumption: With the same vehicle averaging 25 miles per gallon, you'll use about 33 gallons of gas.
- Total Fuel Cost: That comes out to about $112 when you multiply by the gas price of $3.40.
- Tolls: Similar to the scenic route, this route has very few, so budget around $5 for tolls just to be safe.
This efficient path adds up to a total of $117, making it a budget-friendly option!
Route 3: The Adventurous Route via I-40 W
For those who want a hint of adventure, consider taking the I-40 W. Covering around 900 miles, this route takes a bit longer—about 14 hours of driving time. With breaks factored in, aim for a total of 16-17 hours.
Breakdown of Costs:
- Gas Consumption: Again, with an average of 25 miles per gallon, you’ll need about 36 gallons.
- Total Fuel Cost: At $3.40 per gallon, that’s about $122 for fuel.
- Tolls: This route is mostly toll-free, but you might want to set aside $10 for potential fees.
For this adventurous drive, your total cost comes to about $132.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the price of your road trip from Duluth, Georgia to Montrose, Colorado can vary significantly based on the route you choose. Whether you prefer the scenic vibes, a faster drive, or a chance for a little adventure, be sure to budget accordingly for gas and potential tolls. With current gas prices around $3.40, your estimated costs will range from $117 to $132.
So, pack up your car, hit the road, and enjoy your journey! Safe travels!