Budgeting for the Road: How Much Does it Cost to Drive from Apex, NC to The Villages, FL?

If you're planning to travel from Apex, North Carolina to The Villages, Florida, you're in for a road trip of approximately 600 miles. But what does it cost to take this journey?

Here's an overview of the possible routes, their distances, and the costs associated with each, so you can plan your budget accordingly.

Possible Routes

Route 1: I-95 S and Florida's Turnpike

This route is the fastest and likely the most convenient. You'll take I-95 South for about 460 miles, exiting towards Florida's Turnpike near Fort Lauderdale. From there, you'll take the Turnpike south to The Villages for around 166 miles.

Route 2: I-85 S and I-20 E

This route changes things up by heading southwest instead of south initially. You'll travel I-85 South until it intersects with I-20, which you'll then take east through Atlanta before eventually connecting with I-75 South at Macon. From there, you'll drive south to The Villages, making this route a bit longer than the first but earning you some different scenery options.

Route 3: US-15 S and US-1 S

If you're looking to avoid the interstate as much as possible, US-15 and US-1 provide an alternative to I-95. Starting in Apex, you'll take US-1 South for approximately 60 miles before connecting with US-15 South. From there, you'll continue south for almost the entire trip to The Villages, using state highways along the way.

Now that you know the possible routes, let's dive into the costs and distances associated with each.

Cost and Distance Breakdown

Route 1: I-95 S and Florida's Turnpike

Total distance: approximately 626 miles

Miles in North Carolina: 30 Miles in South Carolina: 195 Miles in Georgia: 165 Miles in Florida: 237

Based on current gas prices (as of July 2021) of $2.93 per gallon on average, taking a car that gets 25 miles per gallon (MPG) will require roughly 25 gallons of gas and cost about $73.

Route 2: I-85 S and I-20 E

Total distance: approximately 635 miles

Miles in North Carolina: 141 Miles in South Carolina: 163 Miles in Georgia: 269 Miles in Florida: 62

Based on current gas prices and a car getting 25 MPG, this trip will consume roughly 26 gallons of gas and cost approximately $76.

Route 3: US-15 S and US-1 S

Total distance: approximately 622 miles

Miles in North Carolina: 58 Miles in South Carolina: 189 Miles in Georgia: 194 Miles in Florida: 181

Based on current gas prices and a car getting 25 MPG, this trip will require around 25 gallons of gas and cost an estimated $73.

Recommendations

Of the three routes, Route 1 is by far the fastest and most direct, though technically the longest. This route will take you on some of the biggest highways in the country and show you how efficient a road trip can feel on a major interstate.

That being said, if you're looking for a more laid-back trip with more scenery and fewer lanes, Route 3 could be a great option. And if you'd like to see cities like Atlanta along the way, Route 2 could be a better fit.

Conclusion

The cost of a trip from Apex, North Carolina to The Villages, Florida varies depending on which route you take. Assuming a car getting 25 MPG and current gas prices of $2.93 per gallon, you can expect to pay around $73-$76 for gas alone, depending on which route you choose. We hope this guide helps you start budgeting for your next road trip and decide which route is right for you. Enjoy the scenery and be safe!