The Cost of Driving From Apex to Patterson Heights: A Tale of Two Routes

For those planning a road trip from Apex, North Carolina to Patterson Heights, Pennsylvania, there are two main routes to consider. Each offers its own advantages and drawbacks when it comes to distance, time, and cost. In this post, we'll break down both options and give you an idea of what to expect.

Route 1: Taking I-95 and I-76

The first option is to take Interstate 95 North and then get onto Interstate 76 in Philadelphia. This route covers 532 miles and takes about 8 hours and 45 minutes to complete.

The cost of gas is a major factor in this route, and it currently sits at an average of $2.91 per gallon in North Carolina and $2.99 per gallon in Pennsylvania. So, assuming you're driving a car that gets about 25 miles per gallon on the highway, the total cost of gas for this route would be around $100.

Keep in mind that this route also includes several tolls, which can add up quickly. Tolls on I-95 include $10 in Virginia, $9 in Delaware, and $8 in Pennsylvania. On I-76, you'll pay $6.60 at the Delaware River Bridge and $47.50 at the mainline tolls in Pennsylvania, for a total of almost $82 in tolls alone.

Route 2: Taking I-81 and I-376

The second option is to take Interstate 81 North and then get onto Interstate 376 in Western Pennsylvania. This route covers 513 miles and takes about 9 hours and 15 minutes to complete.

While the distance is similar to Route 1, this route is slightly longer due to the winding mountain roads of the Appalachian region. But the trade-off is that there are fewer tolls to worry about, as this route only has one major toll of $5.50 at the Pennsylvania Turnpike.

With gas prices remaining around $2.99 per gallon in Pennsylvania and $2.91 per gallon in North Carolina, the total cost of gas for this route would be around $98.

The Verdict

So, which option is better for your wallet? It really depends on your priorities. While Route 1 might be a little faster and more direct, the tolls quickly rack up and add significantly to the cost of the trip. Route 2 takes longer but features fewer tolls and only slightly cheaper prices for gas.

Overall, the difference in cost is only about $16-18, so it's up to you to decide which route is worth taking. Just make sure you're prepared for either option before you hit the road!