The Cost of Driving from Annapolis, MD to Wilmington, NC
Planning a road trip from Annapolis, Maryland to Wilmington, North Carolina? The cost of driving there can vary greatly depending on which route you choose to take, the distance of that route, and the current price of gas. To help you determine the best and most affordable route for your upcoming trip, we've done some digging around and come up with some information you'll find useful.
Routes and Distances
There are a few different ways to drive from Annapolis to Wilmington, but some are shorter than others. Let's take a closer look:
Route 1: Via I-95 S
The first and most direct route is to take I-95 S all the way down to Wilmington. The total distance for this route is 400 miles and it should take approximately 6 hours and 30 minutes to drive, depending on traffic. Keep in mind that this route has most of its length on highways and interstates, so it's a faster route but there may be higher tolls on the way.
Route 2: Via US-13 S and US-17 S
The second route is to take US-13 S most of the way down, then switch to US-17 S for the remainder of the drive. The total distance for this route is around 450 miles and it should take approximately 7 hours to drive, depending on traffic. While this route can take longer, it's a generally cheaper option as it has lesser tolls.
Route 3: Via US-301 S and US-17 S
The third route is a mix of highways and interstates consisting of US-301 S and US-17 S to Wilmington. The total distance for this route is around 465 miles, and it should take approximately 7 hours to drive, depending on traffic. The tolls in the route are also slightly lesser than the first route.
Costs and Gas Prices
Now that we have seen the different routes, let's take a look at how much they will each cost you in gas and tolls:
Route 1: Via I-95 S
Considering the current gas prices at Annapolis and Wilmington, the average price per gallon is around $2.7. If your vehicle averages 25 mpg on the highway, you'll need to purchase approximately 16 gallons of fuel for the trip, which would cost approximately $43. The tolls on this route may cost approximately $35, depending on the time of day and day of the week.
Route 2: Via US-13 S and US-17 S
Taking this route, you will be driving on highways and smaller roads, which will require less fuel than the first option. You'll need to purchase approximately 18 gallons of fuel, which would cost around $49. The tolls on this route may cost around $20.
Route 3: Via US-301 S and US-17 S
This route will take slightly more gas than Route 2 as it has more distance on highways and interstates. You'll need to purchase around 20 gallons of fuel, which would cost around $54. The tolls on this route may cost around $30.
Conclusion
As you can see, the cost of driving from Annapolis, Maryland to Wilmington, North Carolina can vary greatly depending on which route you take, the distance you travel, and the current price of gas. While Route 1 may be the fastest and most convenient route, it is also the most expensive due to the higher tolls. Route 2 may take longer, but it's less expensive and will cost you less in tolls. Finally, if you want to take a different route from Route 2, Route 3 could be a good alternative to save a few dollars.
No matter which route you choose, remember to take rest stops every few hours to stretch your legs and stay hydrated. Have a safe and enjoyable trip, and happy driving!