Planning Your Trip From Akron, Pennsylvania to Gatlinburg, Tennessee: The Cost of Gas & Tolls

Whether you’re heading to Gatlinburg, Tennessee for a family vacation or business trip, knowing the cost of the journey can help you better budget time and finances. For those traveling by car or rental, the cost of gas and tolls may differ by route, distance and time. In this post, we’ll break down each route with their respective costs so that you can plan your trip accordingly.

Route 1: I-70 and I-81 South

Distance: 472 miles
Time: 7 hours 30 minutes
Gas Cost: $70.80
Toll Cost: $25.00 (if taking the PA Turnpike)

This route is one of the most popular for those traveling from Akron to Gatlinburg. It involves taking I-70 from Akron to I-81 South near Harrisburg, then continuing south through Virginia on I-81 until reaching Knoxville, at which point you’ll merge onto I-40 East and follow it to Gatlinburg. The total distance is roughly 472 miles and takes about 7.5 hours without stopping. The total cost of gas is around $70.80 if you’re driving a typical sedan, SUV or truck with an average fuel economy of 25 miles per gallon. Additionally, you’ll need to pay a toll of $25.00 (one way) if you take the Pennsylvania Turnpike.

Route 2: I-77 South

Distance: 518 miles
Time: 8 hours 30 minutes
Gas Cost: $77.36
Toll Cost: $0 (no tolls)

This route is slightly longer than Route 1, but can be more scenic if you enjoy mountain views. It involves taking I-77 South from Akron to Charleston, WV, and then continuing south to Charlotte, NC. From there, you’ll merge onto I-40 West to Asheville, NC, and then onto US-321 to get to Gatlinburg. The total distance is roughly 518 miles and takes around 8.5 hours without stopping. The cost of gas is approximately $77.36 for a midsize vehicle with an average fuel economy of 23 miles per gallon. One advantage of Route 2 is that there are no tolls to pay.

Route 3: I-79 South

Distance: 485 miles
Time: 8 hours, 15 minutes
Gas Cost: $72.80
Toll Cost: $7.00 (if taking the PA Turnpike)

This route is similar to Route 1, but takes a bit more of a westerly approach. It involves taking I-79 South from Akron to Morgantown, WV, and then following I-68 to Cumberland, MD. From there, you’ll head south on I-81 through Virginia and then pick up I-40 East to Gatlinburg in Tennessee. The total distance is roughly 485 miles and takes around 8 hours and 15 minutes without stops. Gas cost is approximately $72.80 for a vehicle with an average fuel economy of 25 miles per gallon. If you take the PA Turnpike, you’ll need to pay a toll of $7.00 to complete the trip.

Conclusion

Traveling by car from Akron, Pennsylvania to Gatlinburg, Tennessee offers a variety of scenic routes and options tailored to your travel preferences. While gas and toll prices may vary, knowing the cost of each route can help you better plan your trip and budget accordingly. Safe travels!