The Cost of a Road Trip from Akron, Pennsylvania to Swansboro, North Carolina in 2021

If you’re planning a road trip from Akron, PA to Swansboro, NC, there are a few things you should know before hitting the open road. The best advice we can give you is to plan your trip carefully and look for ways to save money. In this article, we’ll delve into the cost of a road trip from Akron to Swansboro, with multiple routes to choose from based on your budget and priorities.

How far is it from Akron, PA to Swansboro, NC?

Before deciding on which route to take, it's important to factor in the distance of the trip. Driving from Akron, Pennsylvania to Swansboro, North Carolina is a distance of approximately 460 miles, with an estimated driving time of around 7 hours. This duration can lengthen or shorten based on traffic and weather. Though this distance may be time-consuming, it’s an opportunity to view and experience the eastern seaboard, with its many cities, small towns, and scenic byways.

The Three Possible Routes

Route 1: I-95 South

The most direct and time-efficient route is to take I-95 South to Swansboro. This route is approximately 500 miles and can be covered in around seven hours, providing there is no traffic. The toll for this route, when passing through Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia, is approximately $40. However, this route may not be as scenic as the others, as almost the entire trip is through I-95.

Route 2: US-13 South

Another option is to take Route US-13 South. The distance for this route is 623 miles but this route provides beautiful views of eastern Virginia and other parts of North Carolina. If you take this route, the toll for the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, which connects the Delmarva peninsula of Delaware and Virginia is approximately $18. The toll for the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel is approximately $4.5. Assuming no traffic, this trip should take around nine hours to complete.

Route 3: Blue Ridge Parkway

The final option for your road trip is through the Blue Ridge Parkway which is a scenic highway that connects Virginia's Shenandoah National Park to North Carolina's Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This route is approximately 550 miles with no tolls whatsoever but if you take this route, it will add an extra four hours to your journey, as it is usually crowded with tourists.

The Cost of Gas

Once you’ve decided on your route of choice, the next cost to consider is the price of gas. To anticipate how much gas you’ll need for this road trip, you need to consider your car’s Miles per Gallon (MPG) and the current gas prices in the regions you’ll be driving through. The overall distance of the trip is 460 miles, but this will vary depending on the route you choose.

According to AAA Fuel Gauge, the average gas price in Pennsylvania, United States as of September 2021 is approximately $3.24 per gallon, while the cost of gas in North Carolina is around $2.96 per gallon. With the average American vehicle efficiency being 24.7 miles per gallon, for the average trip it would require roughly 18.7 gallons of gasoline.

Using the average gas price in both states, the total cost of gas between Akron, PA and Swansboro, NC will be roughly $60 to $70.

Other Costs

Apart from the costs of tolls and gas, there are other expenses on your road trip. Some of these costs include:

Accommodation

If the trip requires more than one day, you may need to spend money on accommodation. The price range for stay varies from $45 to $120 per night. You may also consider camping if you wish to reduce the cost of the trip.

Food

It's essential to budget for food if you're on a road trip. The price range for fast-food dining and snacks varies from $10 to $30 per meal, depending on your taste and preference. You may also like to pack food and water, as this can help save money.

Activities

Depending on your interests, there are a variety of activities to choose from during the trip. These could include visiting popular tourist destinations, museums, parks, or outdoor recreational activities. You can expect to spend roughly between $0 and $50 per activity, depending on the type and location.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a road trip from Akron, Pennsylvania, to Swansboro, North Carolina, is a thrilling and picturesque experience. The cost of the trip will vary greatly based on the planned route, especially the toll system, the cost of gas, and additional expenses like accommodation, food, and activities. Nevertheless, a trip down to Swansboro is highly recommended for anyone, with the recommended route being I-95 for maximum efficiency and value. With a budget in mind and careful planning, you'll be sure to enjoy your journey!