The Cost of Driving from Alexandria, Virginia to Orlando, Florida

Are you planning a road trip from Alexandria, Virginia to Orlando, Florida? It's a long journey but it can be a fun adventure! However, it's important to plan well to avoid any unexpected expenses. Here's a breakdown of the different routes and their associated costs.

Route #1: I-95 S & I-4 W (Distance: 875 miles)

The most direct route from Alexandria to Orlando is to take Interstate 95 South all the way to Jacksonville, Florida. Then take I-4 West to Orlando. This route is approximately 875 miles and the estimated driving time is 13 hours and 20 minutes.

Gas prices as of June 2021 are around $3.00 per gallon, which means that the cost of gas for this trip would be around $130. There are also several tolls along the way, including the Delaware Memorial Bridge Tunnel ($8), Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel ($14), and Florida Turnpike ($20+). Therefore, the total cost of this route would be around $170-200 depending on the number of tolls you encounter.

Route #2: I-95 S, I-26 W, I-95 S & I-4 W (Distance: 926 miles)

Another variation of the first route is to follow I-95 South to I-26 West, then take I-95 South again to Florida. Finally, take I-4 West to Orlando. This route is approximately 926 miles and the estimated driving time is 14 hours and 30 minutes.

The gas and toll costs for this route are similar to the ones in Route #1. Therefore, the total cost of this route would be around $170-200.

Route #3: US-15 S, I-85 S & I-4 W (Distance: 1,000 miles)

For a more scenic route, you can take US-15 South through North Carolina, then take I-85 South and finally I-4 West to Orlando. This route is approximately 1,000 miles long and estimated to take about 15 hours and 30 minutes.

Since this route doesn't involve driving on the interstate for most of the journey, gas prices would be a bit lower, with an estimated cost of around $105. The tolls to take note of are the South Carolina Turnpike ($1-$10) and the Florida Turnpike ($20+). The total cost of this route would be around $130-140.

Route #4: US-29 S, I-75 S, & I-4 W (Distance: 1,250 miles)

If you're looking for a scenic route and are willing to take more time to get to Orlando, you can also try US-29 South to US-19 South. Then, take I-75 South to Orlando. Finally, take I-4 West to reach your destination. This route is approximately 1,250 miles long and takes about 20 hours to drive.

With the added distance, gas prices will be around $170 for this route. The tolls to take note of include the toll road sections of I-75 ($30+) and the Florida Turnpike ($20+). Therefore the total cost of this route would be around $220-250.

Final Thoughts

There are different routes to consider when traveling from Alexandria, Virginia to Orlando, Florida, each with its own advantages and costs. The most direct routes involve driving on the interstate, with a toll cost between $170-200. However, if you are willing to take the time to drive on scenic routes, you can save a bit on tolls, and gas costs, ranging from $130-250 with intermediate stops and tollways.

Regardless of the route you choose, make sure to plan for a comfortable and safe journey. Take breaks when needed, have enough snacks and water, and enjoy the ride!