How Much Does it Really Cost to Drive from Arlington, Virginia to Washington, North Carolina?

Planning a road trip can be tricky, and one of the biggest concerns is always the cost. How much gas will you need? Will you be hitting any toll roads? To help you budget for your next trip, we've put together a breakdown of the cost of driving from Arlington, Virginia, to Washington, North Carolina, based on current gas prices.

Route 1 - Via I-95 S

If you're looking for the quickest route, taking I-95 S is the way to go. According to Google Maps, the total distance is 251 miles, and it should take you around 4 hours and 15 minutes to get there, depending on traffic.

The estimated fuel cost for this trip is approximately $26 (based on a gas price of $2.89/gallon). You'll also have to pay a few tolls along the way, which will run you about $8.75 total.

Route 2 - Via US-29 S

Another option is to take a more scenic route via US-29 S. This route is slightly longer than I-95 S, coming in at 279 miles, but it should only take you roughly 4 hours and 45 minutes.

The estimated fuel cost for this trip is approximately $30 (based on a gas price of $2.89/gallon), and you won't have to pay any tolls.

Route 3 - Via I-85 S

If you're traveling from the outskirts of Northern Virginia, taking I-85 S might be your best bet. This route is a bit longer at 315 miles but should still only take you 5 hours to arrive in DC!

The estimated fuel cost for this trip is roughly $34 (based on a gas price of $2.89/gallon), and you'll encounter toll roads along the way, costing you about $10.50 in total.

Conclusion

Whichever route you choose, driving from Arlington, Virginia, to Washington, North Carolina, ultimately costs nearly the same amount when factoring in fuel and toll expenses. Route 1 is the quickest but has a small toll fee, Route 2 offers a beautiful scenic drive with no toll fees, and Route 3 takes a bit longer and comes with a higher toll cost. Safe travels, and drive with a smile!