North Central Indiana to Western Montana in May!

hugh2505

Member
Joined
Feb 27, 2011
Location
Indiana
TDI
2011 Jetta TDI Silver DSG
Just got the Jetta Feb 25th: Visiting our daughter near Helena, Montana in May. I did the math:

Fly:
Tickets: $900
Baggage Fee: $100
Rental Car: $350
Airport Food: $40
Airport Parking Fee: $60
Total: $1,450

Drive:
Miles Round Trip: 3,400
Estimated MPG: 44
Gallons Used: 76
Est Cost per Gallon: $3.90
Fuel Cost: $296.40
Road Food: $30.00
Oil Change when I get back: $60.00
Total: $386.40

It's a 24-25 hour trip by vehicle and almost nearly that flying when you consider drive to airport, layovers, etc.

My wife and I are looking forward to seeing the country. Heck, our trip takes us through the Black Hills!

I'll report back on mileage and thoughts when the trip is over. :)
 

All of Us

Ian's Dad
Joined
Nov 14, 2005
Location
Brookfield, IL
TDI
2015 NMS Passat SE TDI "Gin" 2006 A5 New Jetta TDI "Graycie" and 2003 A4 Jetta GLS TDI "Liath"
hugh:

Sounds like a great trip. My family and I went out that way last year and had a really good time. Keep us all posted on how it works out for you!

Dan
 

rbobgovw

Well-known member
Joined
Jun 18, 2008
Location
monee il.
TDI
06jetta, 02golf, 96passat
Hugh. You might consider adding a few more costs to your total.
fuel might be more $ and car repair could happen. at least one night in a hotel would make that trip a lot easier on your body,( and the other drivers nearby if you fall asleep at the wheel). $30 might buy a lot of hot dogs and coffee, but in my experiance , it's nice to pull over and enjoy a hot meal along the way...Today I'm on day 7 of a 2800 mile trip, so far we are 1/2 day behind schedule ( had a wheel bearing go bad about 1400 miles into the trip ) souveneirs and sight seeing are eating a huge hole in my budget, everything seems to cost way too much these days. anyway , plan ahead then triple the original budget and you might have a good guess at the real costs... bob...
 

hugh2505

Member
Joined
Feb 27, 2011
Location
Indiana
TDI
2011 Jetta TDI Silver DSG
Thanks for the thoughts, rbobgovw. It's 24-25 hours driving, but we do plan on stopping for a rest once in a while. :) You are also correct that $30 is probably a tad low. A good meal or two will bring that figure up. I just bought the brand new Jetta in February, so I certainly hope there will be no repair bills (other than a flat tire).
 
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