The Cost of a Trip from Duncan, Oklahoma to Denton, Texas: A Fuel Budget Guide
Traveling from Duncan, Oklahoma to Denton, Texas offers beautiful scenery and the chance to explore new areas. However, before hitting the road, it’s essential to consider your journey’s cost, primarily driven by gas prices and mileage. This article breaks down the various routes, the total costs, and ultimately recommends the best path for your trip.
Understanding Gas Prices and Vehicle Efficiency
As of October 2023, average gas prices in Oklahoma hover around $3.40 per gallon, while Texas displays slightly lower prices at approximately $3.25 per gallon. The fuel efficiency of your vehicle also plays a crucial role in estimating total travel costs. For the sake of this guide, we assume an average fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon. This figure is typical for many sedans and small SUVs.
Calculating Fuel Costs
To compute the costs effectively, first, determine the distance of each route and then apply the formula:
[ \text = \left( \frac{\text}{\text} \right) \times \text ]
This will provide a clear estimate of your fuel expenses. Let’s look at the main routes from Duncan to Denton.
Route Options
Route Option 1: Interstate 35
The most straightforward and popular route from Duncan to Denton is via Interstate 35. This route encompasses approximately 101 miles.
Cost Breakdown:
- Distance: 101 miles
- Fuel Efficiency: 25 mpg
- Cost per Gallon: $3.40 (average in Oklahoma)
[ \text = \left( \frac{101}{25} \right) \times 3.40 \approx $13.66 ]
Advantages
- Fast and direct.
- Minimal navigation hassle.
Disadvantages
- Heavy traffic, especially during rush hours.
Route Option 2: US Route 81 and I-35
This alternative route involves taking US Highway 81 North from Duncan to Gainesville and then merging onto I-35 south to Denton. This path covers about 113 miles.
Cost Breakdown:
- Distance: 113 miles
- Fuel Efficiency: 25 mpg
- Cost per Gallon: $3.40
[ \text = \left( \frac{113}{25} \right) \times 3.40 \approx $15.30 ]
Advantages
- Scenic drives through rural Oklahoma and Texas.
Disadvantages
- Slightly longer with potential delays in small towns.
Route Option 3: Scenic Highway
For those who enjoy scenic drives, another possibility involves taking a combination of country routes through rural landscapes. This route may take you through State Highway 7 and several secondary roads, amounting to approximately 130 miles.
Cost Breakdown:
- Distance: 130 miles
- Fuel Efficiency: 25 mpg
- Cost per Gallon: $3.40
[ \text = \left( \frac{130}{25} \right) \times 3.40 \approx $17.68 ]
Advantages
- Beautiful landscapes and less traffic.
Disadvantages
- Longer travel time and potential for rougher roads.
Comparison of Route Costs
Now, let’s summarize the costs and distances of each route:
| Route | Distance (miles) | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Interstate 35 | 101 | $13.66 |
| US Route 81 and I-35 | 113 | $15.30 |
| Scenic Highway | 130 | $17.68 |
Recommended Route
Considering costs, convenience, and travel time, the best route is Interstate 35. This route provides a perfect balance of distance and efficient driving, allowing you to reach Denton quickly and economically. The potential pitfalls of traffic can be managed by planning your trip during non-peak hours.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the drive from Duncan, Oklahoma to Denton, Texas can be both economical and enjoyable. Taking the Interstate 35 route, you can expect a cost of around $13.66 for gas and a travel time of roughly 1 hour and 40 minutes, making it the most cost-effective option. Whether you are traveling for work or leisure, planning for costs while enjoying the journey is an essential part of the experience. Safe travels!