The Cost of a Road Trip from Amarillo, Texas to Asheville, North Carolina

Planning a road trip can be both exciting and stressful, especially when it comes to figuring out the cost. If you're thinking of traveling from Amarillo, Texas to Asheville, North Carolina, there are several factors to consider when trying to determine the cost of your trip. In this article, we'll break down the different possible routes, highlight their costs and distances, and provide recommendations on the best route to take for optimal cost-efficiency.

Routes

The distance from Amarillo, Texas to Asheville, North Carolina is approximately 1,338 miles. This means that you'll have to break down your trip into several stops and potential routes to get the most out of your journey.

Route 1: I-40 and I-81

This first route is the most direct and popular option, as it travels east on Interstate 40 until you reach Knoxville, Tennessee, where you'll switch to Interstate 81 and continue south towards Asheville.

The total distance for this route is approximately 1,380 miles. If you were to drive straight through, it would take you around 20 hours. However, we recommend adding some time for stops and potential sightseeing along the way.

The estimated gas cost for this route is approximately $204 for a car that gets 25 miles per gallon. This estimate is based on gas prices at the time of writing this article, which is around $3.00 per gallon.

Route 2: I-20, I-59, and I-85

This second route is a bit more indirect, but it may offer some interesting stops along the way. From Amarillo, Texas, you'll head east to Shreveport, Louisiana, and continue northeast on Interstate 20 until you reach Birmingham, Alabama. From there, you'll head northeast on Interstate 59 until you reach Atlanta, Georgia, and then finish the trip up by heading north on Interstate 85 until you reach Asheville.

The total distance for this route is approximately 1,539 miles. If you were to drive straight through, it would take you around 24 hours. Again, we recommend adding some time for stops and potential sightseeing.

The estimated gas cost for this route is approximately $228 for a car that gets 25 miles per gallon, based on the same gas prices as the first route.

Route 3: I-40 through the South

This third route takes you down south to see some interesting stops along the way. From Amarillo, you'll head east on Interstate 40 until you reach Oklahoma City. From there, you'll head south on Interstate 35 and then east on Interstate 20 towards Shreveport. Finally, you'll head northeast on Interstate 49 towards Memphis and then take Interstate 40 east to Asheville.

The total distance for this route is approximately 1,701 miles. If you were to drive straight through, it would take you around 28 hours. We recommend adding even more time for stops and sightseeing on this route, as there are several interesting places to visit.

The estimated gas cost for this route is approximately $250 for a car that gets 25 miles per gallon, based on the same gas prices as the first two routes.

Recommendations

Based on the distances, driving times, and gas costs for each route, we recommend taking Route 1: I-40 and I-81. This route is the most direct and will save you time and money on gas. While the other routes offer some interesting stops along the way, they are significantly longer and will cost you more in gas.

However, if you have the time and want to see some different sites, Route 3 may be a fun and worthwhile trip. Just be prepared to spend more time on the road and pay a bit more in gas.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a road trip from Amarillo, Texas to Asheville, North Carolina can be a fun and exciting journey. By taking Route 1: I-40 and I-81, you'll save time and money on gas, making it the most cost-effective route. Just remember to add some time for stops and potential sightseeing along the way, so you can make the most out of your trip. Happy adventuring!