The Cost of a Road Trip from Apex, NC to Pittsburgh, PA: A Comparison of Routes

As the summer approaches, many people are making travel plans, and some are choosing to drive to their destinations. For those planning a trip from Apex, North Carolina, to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, there are several routes to choose from. Each route has its advantages, disadvantages, distance, and cost implications.

Route 1: The Shortest Route

The shortest route from Apex, NC, to Pittsburgh, PA, is through highway I-77 North. The route spans approximately 400 miles and would take you approximately 6 hours and 30 minutes without factoring in stopovers.

The route would take you from Apex, NC, through rural fields and a few scenic national parks. It takes you through parts of Virginia and West Virginia, where you'll drive over hills and country roads. The highway has a limited number of rest areas and restaurants, and drivers are advised to pack their food and other essentials.

Based on the current national average gas price, which is $3.04/gallon, and considering an average of 25 miles per gallon (MPG) and gas tank capacity of 15 gallons, you would need to spend approximately $61 on fuel for the one-way trip. Thus, the total cost of fuel for the roundtrip journey would be $122.

Route 2: The Scenic Route

Suppose you are looking for a scenic route with many tourist attractions and stopovers. In that case, the longer but potentially more interesting route will take you from Apex, NC, through Virginia's capital city, Richmond, and Washington, DC, before hitting Pittsburgh, PA.

The total distance for this route is approximately 560 miles, with an estimated drive time of 9 hours and 30 minutes if you don't make any stopovers.

While on this route, you'll drive through roads with more significant traffic and multiple rest areas, restaurants, and interesting tourist attractions. However, the stops will increase the duration of your journey. Cities such as Richmond, VA, and Washington, DC, have many exciting things to do, such as visiting museums and getting a Disneyland experience.

If you choose to take this route, the cost of fuel for the one-way trip would be approximately $94.50, while the overall cost of fuel for the round-trip would cost you $189, based on the cost of fuel used for the first route.

Route 3: The Mid-length Route

If you are looking for a route that is moderately long, provides scenic views and many stopovers, you can take a route that goes from Apex, NC to Pittsburgh, PA, through Charlotte, NC, and Columbus, OH.

The total distance covered on this route is roughly 750 miles, with an estimated duration of 12 hours and 30 minutes without traffic or any stopovers. The highway takes you through several states, including North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.

While on this route, you'll see beautiful landscapes, modern cityscapes, and countryside villages, with multiple restaurants, rest areas, and hotels along the way. It promises to be a journey of serenity and adventure.

For the one-way trip, the approximate cost of gas would be $120, while for the round trip, it would be roughly $240.

Receiving the Best Experience: Suggested Route

Suppose you're the type of traveler who is not in a hurry, enjoys visiting new cities and places, and wants to take the most scenic route. In that case, the best route from Apex, NC, to Pittsburgh, PA would be route #2.

Taking this route through Richmond and Washington, DC, provides great experiences for tourists, including visiting historic sites and experiencing new cultures. With multiple stops, tourists can pack light with the knowledge that they will be able to purchase necessities along the route.

In Conclusion

Making a trip from Apex, NC to Pittsburgh, PA, can be a great experience, provided you pick the right route. The choice of the path you make largely depends on your budget, how much time you have, and the kind of experience you expect.

It is essential to note that this calculation is based on the current national average gas price. Factors such as the type of car used, MPG, traffic, rest stops, and food options chosen, will surely influence the overall cost of the trip. However, with our guide, you can choose the route that suits you best, making your trip a remarkable and enjoyable one.