Planning a Road Trip: The Cost of Driving From Archdale, NC to Palm Coast, FL

If you're considering a road trip from Archdale, North Carolina, to Palm Coast, Florida, there are a few things to keep in mind when calculating your total cost. Here, we'll break down different route options, the distance, time, and cost to help make planning your trip a breeze.

Route 1: Taking I-95 South

The most direct route from Archdale to Palm Coast is down I-95 South and will take you approximately 7 hours over a distance of 440 miles. Along the way, you'll go through major cities like Richmond, VA and Jacksonville, FL.

As of writing, gas prices in North Carolina are averaging around $2.66/gallon with prices slightly increasing as you approach Florida with an average of $2.82/gallon. If your car gets an average of 25 miles per gallon, you can expect to spend around $57 on gas for the round trip, plus any tolls you may encounter on your journey.

Route 2: Avoiding Tolls

If you're looking to avoid tolls on your trip, then another option is taking I-85 South through South Carolina before hopping on I-26 East into Florida. While this route is slightly longer at 527 miles and will take you around 9 hours, avoiding the tolls can be a significant cost saving.

As mentioned above, current gas prices in North Carolina are averaging around $2.66/gallon. Gas prices in South Carolina average around $2.53/gallon, and gas in Florida is relatively similar to North Carolina at around $2.82/gallon. With no tolls, and your car averaging 25 miles per gallon, you can expect to spend around $70 on gas for a round trip.

Route 3: The Scenic Route

If you're in no rush to get to Palm Coast and want to take a more scenic route, you can choose to take I-40 East into North Carolina’s coastal town of Wilmington. From there, continue south on US Highway 17 through Myrtle Beach, Charleston, and Savannah before eventually hopping on I-95 to Palm Coast.

This route might be a bit longer at 700 miles and around 12 hours, but it's worth it if you're looking for a more scenic road trip. Gas prices for this route will vary depending on where you fill up, but here are the approximate averages: North Carolina at $2.66/gallon, South Carolina at $2.53/gallon, and then Florida at $2.82/gallon. With an expected gas cost of around $94 for a round trip plus any tolls you may encounter on this route.

Conclusion

Overall, taking the most direct route from Archdale to Palm Coast will be the most cost-effective option. However, if you're looking to avoid tolls or take a scenic route, be prepared to spend a little more on gas and add some additional travel time. Regardless of which route you choose, make sure to stay safe, take breaks along the way, and enjoy the views!