Calculating the Cost of Driving from Arlington, Virginia to Aiken, South Carolina

Planning a road trip can be both exciting and daunting. You want to make sure you're getting the best bang for your buck while still having a good time. One of the biggest expenses when it comes to road tripping is gas. In this post, we'll break down the cost of driving from Arlington, Virginia to Aiken, South Carolina based on current gas prices.

Route 1: I-95 S

Distance: 522 miles

Time: 7 hours and 54 minutes

Cost: Based on gas prices of $2.76 per gallon and an average fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, the total estimated cost of gas for this route would be approximately $90. There are no tolls on this route.

Pros: This route is the fastest and most direct way to get to Aiken, South Carolina. It mostly requires freeway driving, which can be comfortable and convenient.

Cons: Since this route is the most popular and direct, it may also be the most crowded and prone to traffic jams.

Route 2: US-17 S

Distance: 616 miles

Time: 11 hours and 23 minutes

Cost: Based on gas prices of $2.76 per gallon and an average fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, the total estimated cost of gas for this route would be about $110. There are no tolls on this route.

Pros: This route is great if you're looking for a scenic drive rather than a direct one. It takes you through the eastern part of North Carolina and along the beaches of South Carolina.

Cons: The scenic drive does come with a longer drive time, adding several extra hours to your trip. You'll also need to make sure your vehicle is comfortable enough for a lengthy car ride.

Route 3: I-95 S and US-1 S

Distance: 551 miles

Time: 8 hours and 30 minutes

Cost: Based on gas prices of $2.76 per gallon and an average fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, the total estimated cost of gas for this route would be about $96. There are two tolls on this route: $8 for the Virginia Beltway and $1.50 for the South Carolina 125 connector.

Pros: This route is almost as direct as Route 1 but takes you through some small towns in North Carolina and South Carolina.

Cons: With two tolls, this route can be slightly more expensive than Route 1. You may also encounter some traffic in the small towns along the way.

Route 4: I-64 W

Distance: 632 miles

Time: 10 hours and 51 minutes

Cost: Based on gas prices of $2.76 per gallon and an average fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, the total estimated cost of gas for this route would be about $118. There are no tolls on this route.

Pros: This route takes you through the mountains of Virginia and provides some beautiful views. It can be a great pit stop if you're looking to break up the drive.

Cons: This route is the longest and most expensive of the four options. It may be best used if you're looking to make the drive part of the adventure.

Conclusion

With these four different routes, you can find the one that best suits your budget, driving needs, and sense of adventure. Remember, gas prices can always fluctuate, so be sure to check current prices before you go. No matter which route you take, though, there are sure to be plenty of sights and experiences waiting for you in Aiken, South Carolina. Happy travels!