Driving Cost from (Old) Ottawa, Ontario to Charlotte, North Carolina

A picture depicting a gas pump

The Cost of a Road Trip from (Old) Ottawa to Charlotte Amid Rising Gas Prices

If you are planning a road trip from (Old) Ottawa, Ontario to Charlotte, North Carolina, you are in for a scenic ride through the Eastern United States. Along the way, you can explore charming small towns, major cities, and beautiful natural landscapes. However, before embarking on this adventure, you need to estimate the cost of the trip, especially considering the current gas prices in both countries. In this article, we will help you navigate the different routes, calculate the distance and fuel expenses, and recommend the best itinerary for your budget and preferences.

Route Options and Distance

When it comes to road trips, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Depending on your starting point, destinations, time, budget, and interests, you can choose from several routes that will take you from Ottawa to Charlotte. Here are three of the most common ones:

Route 1: The Fastest Route

The first option, and the shortest in terms of driving time, is to take the Interstate 81 South and the Interstate 77 South. The distance between Ottawa and Charlotte via this route is approximately 944.4 kilometers (586.5 miles), and it takes around 10 hours and 40 minutes to drive without stopping.

Route 2: The Scenic Route

The second option, which combines both highways and smaller roads, offers breathtaking views of the Appalachian Mountains, Shenandoah National Park, and the Blue Ridge Parkway. To follow this route, you need to take the Interstate 81 South, then the Highway 220 South, Blue Ridge Parkway South, and Interstate 77 South. The total distance is approximately 1138.2 kilometers (707.4 miles), and it takes around 14 hours and 15 minutes to drive non-stop.

Route 3: The Coastal Route

The third option, which takes you along the Atlantic coast and through several seaside towns and cities, starts with the Highway 416 West, then the Highway 16 South, the Highway 15 South, the Interstate 95 South, and finally the Interstate 485 East. This route covers a distance of approximately 1509.8 kilometers (938.4 miles) and takes around 16 hours and 55 minutes to drive without any stops.

Fuel Expenses

Now that we have an idea of the different routes and distances, let's take a look at the fuel expenses for each one. These estimates are based on the average gas prices in June 2021 in Canada and the United States, but keep in mind that gas prices fluctuate frequently and depend on various factors such as supply and demand, oil production, and taxes.

Route 1: The Fastest Route

To cover the distance between Ottawa and Charlotte via the Interstate 81 South and the Interstate 77 South, you will need to fuel up your car at least twice, depending on its fuel efficiency and tank capacity. Since the average gas price in Canada is around $1.30 CAD per liter and the average gas price in the United States is around $0.77 USD per liter, we can estimate the fuel expenses in Canadian dollars as follows:

  • Ottawa to Syracuse, New York (484.9 kilometers or 301.2 miles): 41.3 liters x $1.30 CAD/liter = $53.69 CAD
  • Syracuse to Charlotte, North Carolina (459.5 kilometers or 285.4 miles): 33.7 liters x $0.77 USD/liter x 1.23 (exchange rate) = $32.46 CAD

Therefore, the total fuel expenses for this route would be approximately $86.15 CAD.

Route 2: The Scenic Route

To cover the distance between Ottawa and Charlotte via the Interstate 81 South, the Highway 220 South, Blue Ridge Parkway South, and the Interstate 77 South, you will need to fuel up your car multiple times, as this route has more mountainous roads and slow-speed limits. Based on the same gas prices as before, we can estimate the fuel expenses in Canadian dollars as follows:

  • Ottawa to Roanoke, Virginia (880.7 kilometers or 546.8 miles): 69.2 liters x $1.30 CAD/liter = $89.96 CAD
  • Roanoke to Charlotte, North Carolina (257.5 kilometers or 160 miles): 23.4 liters x $0.77 USD/liter x 1.23 (exchange rate) = $17.87 CAD

Therefore, the total fuel expenses for this route would be approximately $107.83 CAD.

Route 3: The Coastal Route

To cover the distance between Ottawa and Charlotte via the Highway 416 West, Highway 16 South, Highway 15 South, Interstate 95 South, and Interstate 485 East, you will need to fuel up your car at least three times, as this route covers the longest distance and goes through several urban and rural areas with different gas prices. Based on the same gas prices as before, we can estimate the fuel expenses in Canadian dollars as follows:

  • Ottawa to Plattsburgh, New York (223.7 kilometers or 138.9 miles): 17.9 liters x $1.30 CAD/liter = $23.27 CAD
  • Plattsburgh to Newark, Delaware (467.1 kilometers or 290.3 miles): 37.7 liters x $0.77 USD/liter x 1.23 (exchange rate) = $45.37 CAD
  • Newark to Charlotte, North Carolina (818.9 kilometers or 508.1 miles): 62.6 liters x $0.77 USD/liter x 1.23 (exchange rate) = $60.17 CAD

Therefore, the total fuel expenses for this route would be approximately $128.81 CAD.

Recommendations and Conclusion

Based on the distance and fuel expenses, as well as your personal preferences and travel goals, you can choose the best route for your road trip from (Old) Ottawa to Charlotte. If you prioritize speed and convenience, the first route via the Interstate 81 South and the Interstate 77 South is your best bet, as it covers the least distance and requires fewer pit stops. However, if you want to enjoy scenic drives through mountains, forests, and national parks, the second route via the Blue Ridge Parkway is highly recommended, as it allows you to take in the stunning natural beauty of the region. Lastly, if you are interested in exploring different cities and towns along the Atlantic coast, the third route via the Highway 15 and Interstate 95 is an excellent choice, as it takes you through several historical and cultural landmarks.

Overall, the road trip from (Old) Ottawa to Charlotte can be a memorable journey filled with adventure, learning, and fun. However, it also requires careful planning and budgeting, especially when it comes to fuel expenses, which can vary significantly depending on the routes and gas prices. By choosing the best route for your needs, calculating the distance and fuel costs, and taking into account unexpected expenses such as food, lodging, and attractions, you can make the most of your road trip and create lifelong memories.