The Cost of a Trip Between Asheville, North Carolina and Granite City, Illinois
Are you planning a trip between Asheville, North Carolina, and Granite City, Illinois? If so, you're probably wondering how much it will cost you. The answer depends on a variety of factors, including the mode of transportation, distance, and gas prices. In this article, we'll explore the cost of a trip between Asheville and Granite City.
Possible Routes
There are several routes you can take when traveling from Asheville to Granite City. The most common modes of transportation include driving, taking a bus, or flying.
Driving
Driving is the most popular mode of transportation when traveling between these two locations. There are two primary routes you can take:
Route 1: Via I-64 W
This is the shortest route, covering a distance of approximately 550 miles. To take this route, you'll start by getting on I-40 W in Asheville and then continue on I-40 W/I-64 W until you reach Granite City. The estimated driving time for this route is about 8.5 hours.
Route 2: Via I-81 N
This route covers a distance of approximately 670 miles. To take this route, you'll start by getting on I-240 W in Asheville and then continue on I-40 W and I-81 N until you reach Granite City. The estimated driving time for this route is about 10 hours.
Bus
Taking a bus is another option for traveling between Asheville and Granite City. Greyhound offers daily bus service from Asheville to Granite City. The trip takes approximately 17 hours and typically costs between $90 and $220, depending on the time of year and how far in advance you book your ticket.
Flying
Flying between Asheville and Granite City is also an option, although it is not as popular as driving or taking a bus. There are three airports near Asheville: Asheville Regional Airport, Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport, and Charlotte Douglas International Airport. The closest airport to Granite City is Lambert-St. Louis International Airport. Flights from Asheville to Granite City typically require a layover in another city, such as St. Louis, and can take anywhere from 4 to 12 hours, depending on the airline and the flight's itinerary.
Cost Breakdown
The cost of a trip between Asheville and Granite City varies depending on the mode of transportation you choose. Here's a breakdown of the estimated costs for each option:
Driving
The cost of driving between Asheville and Granite City will depend on gas prices, your vehicle's fuel efficiency, and the distance traveled. As of May 2021, the average gas price in North Carolina is $2.73 per gallon, while in Illinois, it's $3.13 per gallon. To calculate the cost of gas for your trip, use a gas calculator that takes into account the distance, fuel efficiency, and gas prices. For example, if your vehicle gets 25 miles per gallon and gas costs $3 per gallon, the estimated cost of gas for Route 1 would be $102.60 each way. Additionally, you'll want to factor in the cost of tolls and lodging if you plan to stop for the night along the way.
Bus
Taking the bus is a budget-friendly option for traveling between Asheville and Granite City. Greyhound offers one-way tickets starting at $90, although prices can increase depending on the time of year and how far in advance you book. The price of your ticket includes the cost of the bus fare and any taxes and fees. Keep in mind that you may want to factor in additional costs for food and drinks during the long trip.
Flying
Flying between Asheville and Granite City can be expensive, especially if you don't book your tickets far in advance. The cost of a one-way ticket typically ranges from $200 to $500, depending on the airline and the time of year. You'll also need to consider the cost of transportation to and from the airports, any baggage fees, and the cost of food and drinks during your flight.
Recommended Route
Based on the information above, the recommended route for traveling between Asheville and Granite City is driving via Route 1. This route is the shortest and most direct, and it generally has lower gas prices than Route 2. Taking the bus is also a viable option, as it is budget-friendly and avoids the hassle of driving long distances. Flying is not the most practical option for this trip, as it can be expensive and requires layovers, which can add extra time to your trip.
Conclusion
Traveling between Asheville, North Carolina, and Granite City, Illinois, can be an adventure. The cost of your trip will depend on several factors, including the mode of transportation, distance, and gas prices. Driving is the most commonly used option, with two primary routes to choose from. Taking the bus is the most budget-friendly option, while flying is the most expensive and least practical. No matter which mode of transportation you choose, it is essential to factor in additional costs such as tolls, lodging, and food and drinks. By planning wisely, you can make your trip between Asheville and Granite City an enjoyable and affordable experience.