Road Trip: Calculating the Cost of Driving from Asheville, NC to Champaign, IL

Planning a cross-country road trip can be both exciting and daunting, especially when it comes to calculating the cost of driving. If you're looking to travel from Asheville, North Carolina to Champaign, Illinois, you might be wondering how much the journey will set you back.

One of the biggest expenses you'll face is the cost of gas. To get an accurate estimate, you'll need to factor in your car's fuel efficiency, the distance you'll be traveling, and the current gas prices. In this blog post, we'll explore the various routes you could take from Asheville to Champaign and provide an estimate of the cost of the trip based on current gas prices.

Route 1: The Fastest Option

The most direct route from Asheville to Champaign is via I-77 and I-64 through West Virginia, then picking up I-57 in Effingham, Illinois. This route covers approximately 695 miles and takes approximately 12 hours and 30 minutes to complete, assuming minimal stops along the way.

The total cost of gas for this route would be approximately $85.60, assuming an average of 30 miles per gallon and a gas price of $2.70 per gallon. Additionally, there are no tolls on this route, so the total cost of the trip would be approximately $85.60.

Route 2: The Scenic Route

If you're in no hurry to reach your destination and want to enjoy some breathtaking scenery along the way, consider taking a slightly longer route that passes through Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Daniel Boone National Forest via I-40 and I-64.

This route covers approximately 797 miles and takes approximately 14 hours and 30 minutes to complete, assuming minimal stops along the way. The total cost of gas for this route would be approximately $96.40, assuming an average of 30 miles per gallon and a gas price of $2.70 per gallon. There are no tolls on this route.

Route 3: The Middle Ground

If you want a balance between the fastest and most scenic routes, consider the route that takes I-40 through Nashville, Tennessee, and picks up I-57 in Mount Vernon, Illinois.

This route covers approximately 755 miles and takes approximately 13 hours and 45 minutes to complete, assuming minimal stops along the way. The total cost of gas for this route would be approximately $91.50, assuming an average of 30 miles per gallon and a gas price of $2.70 per gallon. There is only one toll on this route, which costs approximately $4.00.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the cost of driving from Asheville, North Carolina to Champaign, Illinois is dependent on the route you choose, the distance you travel, and the current gas prices. The most direct route costs around $85.60 in gas, with no tolls. Meanwhile, the scenic route costs around $96.40 in gas, also with no tolls. Finally, the middle route balances time and scenery while costing around $91.50 in gas with one toll of $4.00. No matter which route you choose, a road trip can be a unique and memorable experience. Happy travels!