The Cost of Driving From Asheville, NC to Laurel, MD During High Gas Prices

Thinking of hitting the road for a scenic drive from Asheville, North Carolina to Laurel, Maryland? Well, before you hit the pedal to the metal, it's important to consider the costs involved. The biggest cost will, of course, be gas prices. At the time of writing this post, the current average for a gallon of gas in the United States is $3.09 per gallon. With this in mind, let's explore some of the routes, distances, and costs for this trip.

Route 1: via I-77 N and I-70 E

If you're looking for the quickest route, this is it. This route covers a distance of approximately 520 miles and will take you around 8 hours and 30 minutes without stopping. During high gas prices, you can expect to use around 16.5 gallons of gas, with a total cost of $50.97. Additionally, you will also encounter the West Virginia Turnpike toll fee of $6.25.

Route 2: via I-85 N and I-40 E

This route is longer than Route 1, but it might be worth taking if you want a more scenic drive. This route covers a distance of approximately 640 miles and will take you around 10 hours and 30 minutes without stopping. With high gas prices, you can expect to use around 20 gallons of gas, with a total cost of $61.80. Additionally, you will also encounter toll fees along the way. The trip from Asheville to Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina, will cost approximately $5.55 for toll fees. Beyond that, there is no more toll fee for the remainder of your trip.

Route 3: via US-221 N and I-81 N

If you want to avoid toll fees altogether, this route is the one for you. This route covers a distance of approximately 590 miles and will take you around 10 hours without stopping. With high gas prices, you can expect to use around 18.5 gallons of gas, with a total cost of $57.17.

Route 4: via I-26 E, I-77 N, and I-70 E

This route will take you through some of the most scenic areas of North Carolina and West Virginia, making it the ideal trip for nature lovers. This route covers a distance of approximately 600 miles and will take you around 10 hours and 45 minutes without stopping. During high gas prices, you can expect to use around 19 gallons of gas, with a total cost of $58.71. Additionally, you will also encounter the West Virginia Turnpike toll fee of $6.25.

In conclusion, before embarking on your trip from Asheville, North Carolina to Laurel, Maryland, it's important to factor in the costs of gas and toll fees. While the cost of gas at the time of writing this post was $3.09 per gallon, it's important to check prices regularly as they fluctuate frequently. Regardless of the route you choose, it's always a good idea to budget for gas and toll fees to avoid any unnecessary financial surprises along the way. Happy driving!