The Cost of Driving From Ann Arbor, Michigan to Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Thinking about traveling from Ann Arbor, Michigan to Gatlinburg, Tennessee? Before you hit the road, it's crucial to consider the cost of the trip. There are several routes to take, and each has its own distance, time, and cost. In this blog post, we'll break down the cost of driving from Ann Arbor to Gatlinburg based on current gas prices, so you can choose the best option that suits your budget and schedule.

Route 1: Via I-75 S

The first route that comes to mind is taking I-75 S all the way down to Gatlinburg. It's the most direct and straightforward option, taking approximately 8 hours and covering a distance of 505 miles. You'll pass through Cincinnati and Lexington before reaching your final destination.

With current gas prices averaging around $2.60 per gallon, this trip would cost you about $85 in gas alone. Moreover, there are no tolls to worry about on this route, so the only cost to take into account is gas money.

Route 2: Via I-71 S and I-65 S

If you don't mind adding a few extra miles to the trip, another option is to take I-71 S and I-65 S instead. This route clocks in at approximately 510 miles and takes around 8 and a half hours. You'll pass through Louisville before joining I-75 S and reaching Gatlinburg.

Gas prices are around the same threshold of $2.60 per gallon, meaning you'd still end up spending around $85 on gas. However, there are a few tolls to bear in mind on this path. Namely, you would have to pay $4.10 for the John F. Kennedy Memorial Bridge and $0.50 for the Abraham Lincoln Bridge when crossing the Ohio River.

Route 3: Via I-69 S and I-65 S

Last but not least, an option that might work for those living in the northern part of Michigan is to head down I-69 S and link up with I-65 S. This route covers 600 miles and takes about 9 and a half hours, making it the longest journey among the three options. However, it's also the least expensive route.

With $2.60 gas prices, you'd spend around $100 in gas, which is more than the first two routes. But, there are only two tolls to worry about on this route, which adds up to $1.30 for the Indiana Toll Road. It still makes the trip becomes more affordable overall.

Wrap Up

In conclusion, driving from Ann Arbor, Michigan to Gatlinburg, Tennessee is doable if you don't mind the time and cost of the trip. Currently, gas prices are relatively stable within the small margin wherever you decide to take. If you're on a tight budget, Route 3 is your best bet as it's the most affordable. For all of the routes that we have shown, we suggest taking the cost of gas and tolls seriously and that you should at least prepare some backup budget for the road trip. Whatever your preference is, make sure you enjoy the journey as much as the destination!