The Cost of a Trip between Asheville, NC and Newport, TN: Navigating the Current Gas Prices
Introduction
Planning a trip between Asheville, North Carolina and Newport, Tennessee? Whether you're embarking on a scenic adventure or simply commuting between these two charming cities, it's important to factor in the cost of gas when budgeting your trip. In this article, we will explore the different possible routes between Asheville and Newport, highlight the distance and cost associated with each route based on current gas prices, and ultimately recommend the best route to optimize your time and budget.
Possible Routes
When traveling from Asheville to Newport, you have a few different routes to choose from: Interstate 40 (I-40) West, Interstate 40 East with a detour through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, or a combination of interstate highways and state routes. Let's take a closer look at each route and evaluate their respective costs and distances.
1. Interstate 40 West
The most straightforward and commonly used route between Asheville and Newport is via Interstate 40 West. This route takes you through the scenic landscapes of western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee.
The distance from Asheville to Newport using this route is approximately 82 miles, with an estimated travel time of around 1 hour and 30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.
Based on the national average gas price of $2.75 per gallon, a vehicle traveling an average of 25 miles per gallon would require approximately 3.28 gallons of gas each way, resulting in a total cost of about $9.02 for a round trip.
2. Interstate 40 East with Great Smoky Mountains National Park Detour
For those seeking a more adventurous and scenic route, taking Interstate 40 East with a detour through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is an excellent option.
This route adds some extra distance and time to the trip, but the breathtaking views and iconic sights of the Smoky Mountains make it worthwhile.
To calculate the cost for this route, we will consider the distance from Asheville to Newport via I-40 East, which is around 70 miles. Additionally, there is an additional distance of approximately 20 miles for the detour through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Assuming an average gas price of $2.75 per gallon and a vehicle with an average fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, the estimated total cost for this route would be approximately $8.40 for a round trip.
3. Combination of Interstate Highways and State Routes
Another alternative is to combine a portion of the interstate highways with state routes, offering a balanced mix of scenic views and efficient travel.
One possible combination is to take I-40 West from Asheville to Newport, and then on the return trip, take a scenic route through the picturesque town of Hot Springs, NC, before rejoining I-40 in Asheville.
The distance via this route is around 108 miles, with an estimated travel time of approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes. Considering a gas price of $2.75 per gallon and an average fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, the total cost for this route would be approximately $11.84 for a round trip.
Recommendation
After evaluating the different routes between Asheville and Newport, the recommended route would be Interstate 40 West. This route offers a direct and efficient journey between the two cities, with an estimated travel time of 1 hour and 30 minutes.
While the Great Smoky Mountains National Park detour is an enticing option for nature enthusiasts, the additional distance and time required make it less practical for a straightforward trip. However, for those with extra time to spare or a desire to explore the natural splendor of the Smoky Mountains, this detour can be an enriching experience.
Although the combination of interstate highways and state routes offers a taste of both efficiency and scenery, it does come with a higher cost and longer travel time compared to the direct I-40 West route. Therefore, if time and budget are of utmost importance, sticking to Interstate 40 West is the recommended choice.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the cost of a trip between Asheville, North Carolina and Newport, Tennessee heavily depends on the chosen route and the current gas prices. For a direct and efficient journey, Interstate 40 West presents the best option, with an estimated cost of approximately $9.02 for a round trip. Those seeking a more scenic adventure can opt for the I-40 East route with a detour through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which will cost approximately $8.40 for a round trip. Alternatively, a combination of interstate highways and state routes offers a balance between efficiency and scenery, with an estimated cost of approximately $11.84 for a round trip.
No matter which route you choose, the trip between Asheville and Newport promises to be an enjoyable experience, filled with picturesque landscapes and the charm of these two delightful cities. Safe travels!
For more information about the routes and current gas prices, visit Asheville-Newport Trip Guide.