The Cost of a Trip from Akron, Ohio to Charlotte, North Carolina

Introduction

Traveling from Akron, Ohio to Charlotte, North Carolina offers a scenic journey through the heart of the Midwest and the Appalachian region. As with any road trip, it’s important to consider the cost of the trip, especially with fluctuating gas prices. In this article, we'll explore the different possible routes between these two cities, highlighting the cost and distance of each one. By the end, you'll have a comprehensive understanding of the expenses associated with this trip, allowing you to plan accordingly.

Route 1: The Western Route via I-71 and I-64

If you're looking to save some money on fuel costs, taking the western route can be a viable option. This route takes you through the states of Ohio, Kentucky, and West Virginia, offering picturesque scenery along the way.

To begin, start on I-77 South from Akron, Ohio. After driving approximately 25 miles, take exit 143 to merge onto I-76 East/I-77 South toward Canton. Continue driving on I-77 South for about 83 miles until you reach Cambridge, Ohio. From here, take exit 46 to merge onto I-70 East toward Wheeling, West Virginia.

Driving along I-70 East, you'll pass through beautiful mountains and charming small towns. After driving around 170 miles on I-70 East, take exit 155 to merge onto I-470 East toward Bellaire/Wheeling. Continue on I-470 East for about 13.5 miles, then take exit 2A to merge onto I-70 East toward The Highlands/Wheeling.

Drive for approximately 36 miles on I-70 East, passing through West Virginia and entering into Pennsylvania for a short stretch. At this point, take exit 1A to merge onto I-470 South toward PA-43/I-70/US-40. Stay on I-470 South for about 7 miles, then take exit 1B to merge onto I-70 West toward Washington.

After driving approximately 42 miles on I-70 West, take exit 11B to merge onto I-79 South toward Morgantown/Charleston. Continue on I-79 South for about 131 miles, crossing into the state of West Virginia. Here, take exit 57 to merge onto I-77 South toward Flatwoods. Stay on I-77 South for about 126 miles, passing through West Virginia and entering into Virginia, and eventually North Carolina.

Once you reach the North Carolina state line, continue on I-77 South for approximately 15 miles. Then, take exit 36 for NC-150 toward Mooresville/Mt. Ulla. Merge onto NC-150 West and drive for about 80 miles, passing through the town of Lincolnton and entering into Charlotte, North Carolina.

Cost and Distance:

The total distance of this western route is approximately 555 miles. Considering an average gas mileage of 25 miles per gallon (mpg) for a typical car, it would require approximately 22.2 gallons of gasoline to complete the journey. Assuming the current average gas price of $2.50 per gallon, the cost of fuel for this route would amount to approximately $55.50.

Route 2: The Eastern Route via I-77

For those seeking a more direct route between Akron, Ohio and Charlotte, North Carolina, the eastern route via I-77 is an ideal choice. This route allows for quicker travel, although it might be slightly more expensive due to a few toll roads along the way.

To begin, take I-77 South from Akron, Ohio. Drive on I-77 South for approximately 450 miles, passing through the states of Ohio, West Virginia, and Virginia, ultimately reaching North Carolina.

Once you reach the North Carolina state line, continue on I-77 South for 15 miles. Then, take exit 36 for NC-150 toward Mooresville/Mt. Ulla. Merge onto NC-150 West and drive for about 80 miles, passing through the town of Lincolnton and entering into Charlotte, North Carolina.

Cost and Distance:

The total distance of this eastern route is approximately 545 miles, slightly shorter than the western route mentioned earlier. Considering the same average gas mileage of 25 mpg, it would require around 21.8 gallons of gasoline. At the average gas price of $2.50 per gallon, the cost of fuel for this route would be approximately $54.50.

The Best Route and Conclusion

Both the western and eastern routes offer distinct advantages and trade-offs. The western route provides a more scenic drive through the Appalachian region, passing through rural landscapes and picturesque mountains. However, it is slightly longer and may result in additional fuel costs.

On the other hand, the eastern route offers a more direct path, reducing travel time and potentially saving you a few dollars on gas. Additionally, it avoids toll roads, providing a more cost-effective option for those on a tight budget.

Considering both the cost and distance, the eastern route via I-77 seems to be the better choice for most travelers. While it may be slightly more expensive, the time saved and the ease of the journey make it a worthwhile trade-off. Moreover, the absence of tolls along most of the route adds an extra incentive.

In conclusion, traveling from Akron, Ohio to Charlotte, North Carolina can be an enjoyable road trip with careful planning. By choosing the eastern route via I-77, you can reach your destination more efficiently, albeit at a slightly higher fuel cost. With an estimated driving time of around 8-10 hours, a memorable journey awaits you through the beautiful landscapes of the Midwest and the Appalachian region.