Road Trip from Anniston, Alabama to Chesapeake, Virginia: The Cost of Gas and Tolls
Are you planning a road trip from Anniston, Alabama to Chesapeake, Virginia? If so, there are a few different routes you can take – but which one is the most cost-effective? In this post, we’ll break down the costs of each route based on current gas prices and toll fees.
Route 1: I-20 E and I-95 N
One of the most popular routes from Anniston to Chesapeake is to take I-20 E and I-95 N. This route is approximately 760 miles and takes around 11 hours to drive.
The average gas price as of June 2021 is around $2.85 per gallon. If your car gets 25 miles per gallon, you'll need around 30 gallons of gas, which will cost you around $85.50.
Additionally, there are a few tolls on this route. The first toll you’ll encounter is in Richmond, Virginia on the Powhite Parkway Toll Road, which costs $2.50. The next tolls are on the Chesapeake Expressway where the cost varies depending on travel time. On weekdays, the charge is $3.75 per vehicle. On weekends, the fare increases to $6.00. Altogether, the tolls will cost you around $14.25.
So, the total cost of this route is:
- Gas: $85.50
- Tolls: $14.25
- Total: $99.75
Route 2: I-59 N and I-81 N
Another option is to take I-59 N and I-81 N. This route is slightly longer at around 790 miles, but it can be a less expensive alternative.
Again, assuming the average gas price of $2.85 per gallon and your car getting 25 miles per gallon, you'll need around 32 gallons of gas, which will cost you around $91.20.
There are a few tolls on this route as well. The first toll you’ll encounter is in Virginia on the mainline toll plaza, which varies depending on travel time. During rush hours, the charge is $1.50 per axle, it goes down to $1.25 on off-peak hours. The second toll is in Wytheville, Virginia at East Wytheville Toll Plaza, costs $2.00. In total, the tolls will cost you around $13.25.
So, the total cost of this route is:
- Gas: $91.20
- Tolls: $13.25
- Total: $104.45
Route 3: US-29 N and I-95 N
Another way to get to Chesapeake is to drive straight up US-29 N before catching I-95 N. This route is around 778 miles and takes about 12 hours to drive.
Like the previous routes, assuming the average gas price at $2.85 per gallon and your car getting 25 miles per gallon, you'll need around 31 gallons of gas, which will cost you around $88.35.
On this route, there is only one toll to pay, and it’s on Lake Gaston Bridge. The George Watkins Memorial Bridge has a toll road both ways - $3.00 for a car. So, the tolls will cost you around $3.00.
So, the total cost of this route is:
- Gas: $88.35
- Tolls: $3.00
- Total: $91.35
Conclusion
So, which route is the cheapest? Based purely on gas prices and toll fees, Route 3 is the most cost-effective route, coming in at just over $91. However, keep in mind that there may be other expenses, such as food and accommodations, to factor into your trip. Regardless of which route you choose, make sure to travel safely and enjoy your road trip from Anniston, Alabama to Chesapeake, Virginia.