The Cost of Driving From Asheville, NC to Hickory, NC: Exploring Different Routes

Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or driving to see your family, it's always a good idea to crunch the numbers and estimate how much your trip will cost you. Gas prices are always fluctuating, tolls can add up, and you don't want any financial surprises on the road. So, let's take a look at the different routes from Asheville, NC to Hickory, NC, and how much they might cost you.

Route 1: via I-40 W and US-70 W

This is the most direct route, taking I-40 West and then turning onto US-70 West. The distance is approximately 87 miles, and according to Google Maps, it should take you around 1 hour and 30 minutes to get there. Assuming gas prices are around $2.50 per gallon, this route will cost you approximately $14 in gas, without any stops or traffic.

Route 2: via I-26 W, I-40 W, and US-70 W

If you want to avoid the longer section of US-70 which is not divided, adding a slightly longer section via I-26 W can save you some time and get you on a divided highway quicker. The distance is approximately 97 miles, and according to Google Maps, it should take you around 1 hour and 45 minutes to get there. Assuming gas prices are around $2.50 per gallon, this route will cost you approximately $16 in gas, without any stops or traffic.

Route 3: via US-25 N, NC-9 N, and I-40 W

If you don't want to get on the interstate, you can take a more scenic route through the Blue Ridge Mountains and drop back onto I-40 to get to Hickory. The distance is approximately 96 miles, and according to Google Maps, it should take you around 2 hours and 15 minutes to get there. Assuming gas prices are around $2.50 per gallon, this route will cost you approximately $16 in gas, without any stops or traffic.

Route 4: via US-221 N and I-40 W

This is the shortest route in terms of distance, but also has a longer section on non-divided highway. The distance is approximately 75 miles, and according to Google Maps, it should take you around 1 hour and 25 minutes to get there. Assuming gas prices are around $2.50 per gallon, this route will cost you approximately $12 in gas, without any stops or traffic.

Tolls

There are no tolls on any of these routes, so that's one less thing to worry about.

In conclusion, the cost of driving from Asheville, NC to Hickory, NC will vary depending on the route you choose, gas prices, and any stops you might make. However, as you can see, even the longest and most scenic route through the mountains will only cost you around $16 in gas. So, fill up your tank, hit the road, and enjoy the ride!