When you’re in the middle of nowhere and running low on gas, it’s the last thing you want to do is have to search for a gas station to let your tank recharge. Some states make that more difficult than others. Take a look at where you can find gas stations in each state to save yourself the agony of finding a station when you’re in need.
Alabama
You don’t need to look far in Alabama for good old fashioned gas stations. There are several spots around the state where you can fill your tank without having to search for a station. Traveling on I-65 north from Birmingham, you’ll see Alabama’s newest gas station on your right. It will be marked with a bright neon sign and a big yellow mustache logo. That’s Gas Plus on Five Points North Shore, located at Exit 28.
I-20 West and I-20 East in Tuscaloosa are also famous for their gas stations. There’s an old saying in Alabama that if you can see it, you can find it. That certainly applies to gas stations. Traveling on these roads, you’ll see many places where you can pull off and fill your tank.
Arkansas
Traveling down the scenic backroads in Arkansas is like being on holiday. Gas stations are scattered around the state, but they’re not exactly what you’d call convenient. You’ll need to search diligently for a gas station that’s open. You’ll find them in the middle of nowhere, but if you run out of gas before you find one, it could be quite a walk or drive until you find another station. It’s one of the worst things that can happen in the middle of nowhere. Especially if you’re in a storm.
In the middle of nowhere in Arkansas, there are some pretty incredible gas stations. You’ll see the big yellow mustache logo on many of them. They’re usually located next to antique shops, BBQ joints, and diners that serve traditional Southern fare. Traveling down these roads and looking for gas stations is like falling into a time warp. Little shops and trucks next to the road sell all kinds of goodies. You might even find some friends there. Who knows?
California
The golden state of California is home to some of the most notorious traffic jams in the country. It also houses some of the most expensive gas stations. It’s not uncommon for a tank of gas in California to cost you a tenner. That’s a lot of money for a tank of gas! If you’re driving a luxury vehicle, you might as well fill it up in San Francisco. That’s because there’s a 50% excise tax on automobile fuel filled up there. A lot of the time, the gas station will charge you for the privilege of fueling your car. Unless you’re planning on staying more than a few minutes, it’s usually cheaper to find a place to park and walk to the pumps. That’s because most of the time, there’s plenty of parking available. It can be difficult to find a spot in a large city like San Francisco, even if you have a reservation. Especially if you’re there during a weekday or late at night. If you’re traveling on I-5 or I-805, you’ll pass many gas stations, but if you want a good deal, you have to search diligently. Sometimes it’s worth paying a bit more for gas in California.
Colorado
With all the snow and cold up in the mountains, it’s only natural that gas would be cheaper up there than down in the valleys. That being said, it can still be quite difficult to find a gas station in the middle of nowhere. Once you get there though, it’s usually cheaper to fill your tank and continue on your way. Traveling through Colorado on I-25 north to south or I-70 east to west, you’ll see numerous signs for gas stations. Traveling south on I-70 from Colorado City, you’ll see Mile High Station on your right. Just before entering Utah, you’ll see Rocky Mountain Station. They’re both good examples of the type of gas stations you’ll find in Colorado. It’s usually faster to find a gas station in Colorado than to keep looking for one as you drive along.
Delaware
Drivers in Delaware are known for their thriftiness. After all, the state is known as the sweet spot for gasoline price-watchers. It’s not uncommon for gas stations in Delaware to have temporary signs in the windows. They’re there for when people are searching for a gas station and happen to glance in as they drive by. Often, the gas stations have odd hours where they are open. For instance, there’s one located on the corner of University Avenue and Pine Street in Wilmington that’s open 24/7. It’s visible from I-95, the New Jersey Turnpike, and the Expressway. If you’re running low on gas and need a place to fill up in New Jersey, look no further than the friendly skies above.
Florida
Florida’s transportation system is based on the premise that somewhere around every city, there’s a rural road that leads to nowhere. It’s true. Even in the most populated areas of the state, there are stretches of two-lane roads that lead to nowhere aside from some abandoned houses or other types of buildings. It wouldn’t be farfetched to assume that some of these places were gas stations at one point. If you’re in the middle of nowhere and need gas, it doesn’t get much more desolate than finding a station in Florida. Traveling on Florida’s Turnpike east to west, you’ll see many signs for gas stations. There are also numerous roads that lead off the main highway. It’s not hard to find a station if you keep your eyes open. It’s not uncommon for these stations to be up and closed down on a whim. Sometimes, they’ll post a sign in the window that they’re temporarily closed. When that happens, it’s usually because they’re trying to catch some quick gas before they run out. Sometimes, it’s because they’re renovating the station or it’s just to give the place a rest. Either way, it’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to finding gas in the middle of nowhere. Fill up in a populated area if you can. If you’re stuck in the middle of nowhere, it’s better to have bad gas than to run out of it. Unless you want to walk a long way to the next station.
Georgia
The Peach State is known for its scenic nature. Traveling on I-75 south through Georgia, you’ll see many historical sites, mountain ranges, and beautiful lakes. There are also plenty of gas stations along the way. It wouldn’t be a stretch to assume that at one point, there was a time when everywhere you turned, there was a gas station. Traveling on I-40 west to east, you’ll see many large signs for gas stations. Between those signs, you’ll see small townships and churches next to the road. It is common for gas stations in Georgia to close down when traffic drops off. Sometimes, they’ll even put up a sign that they’re closed. When that happens, it’s usually because they’re on their way to a bigger station. Traveling on these roads, you’ll see many stations, but it’s not necessarily easy to find one if you’re not looking. Especially in the middle of the day. That’s when the traffic is at its heaviest.
Illinois
Illinois is the third-largest state in the country. It also happens to be one of the most populated. It would be a missed opportunity if there aren’t any gas stations present there. That’s because there are several dirt roads that lead to nowhere in Illinois. It’s usually hard to find a station in the middle of nowhere. Unless you’re in the right place at the right time, you’ll probably have to keep driving until you spot one. Illinois is also the kind of state where you can find your gas station almost anywhere. You’ll see large gas stations in the middle of nowhere. It’s not that unusual for chain gas stations to pop up in little towns and rural areas around the state. Traveling on I-90, you’ll see plenty of signs for gas stations. There are also numerous roads that lead off the main highway. It’s not hard to find a station if you keep your eyes open. It’s not uncommon for these stations to be up and closed down on a whim. Sometimes, they’ll even put up a sign in the window that they’re temporarily closed. When that happens, it’s usually because they’re trying to catch some quick gas before they run out. Sometimes, it’s because they’re renovating the station or it’s just to give the place a rest. Just keep your eyes open and you’ll be able to find a station any time you need one.