Driving Cost from Athens-Clarke County Unified Government, Georgia to Tampa, Florida

A picture depicting a gas pump

Road Tripping from Athens-Clarke County Unified Government, GA to Tampa, FL: The Cost of Gas and More!

If you're itching for a sunny adventure in Florida, then you must take a road trip from Athens-Clarke County Unified Government, Georgia to Tampa, Florida. You have multiple options to reach your destination and it's reasonable enough to estimate your gas expenses beforehand. So, buckle up and take a look at your options!

The most direct route from Athens-Clarke County Unified Government, GA to Tampa, FL is I-75 S, a distance of approximately 408 miles. This scenic route will take you about 6 hours and 30 minutes (excluding stops), depending on the traffic. While this route is a bit longer than other routes, it's the most popular because of its accessibility and comfortable driving conditions.

Drivers taking this route will pass through Atlanta, Macon, and Valdosta before arriving in the city of Tampa. Because it is a heavily traveled road, tolls are expected. A one-way trip from Athens-Clarke County Unified Government, Georgia, to Tampa, Florida, using this route will cost you:

  • Gas cost: $50 (based on an average gas price of $2.50 per gallon for a car that achieves 28.5 miles per gallon on the highway)
  • Tolls: $8.50 (for Georgia's Peach Pass if you take I-85 S and GA-400 S), $7.00 (for Florida's Sunpass if you take I-75 S)

The Shortest Route: GA-400 S and I-275 S

The next possible route is GA-400 S and I-275 S, which is the shortest route to Tampa, FL, a distance of about 388 miles. Taking this route will take you approximately 6 hours, depending on the traffic and road conditions.

Despite its shorter distance, this route still comes with its own set of expenses and challenges. You'll get to see Georgia's countryside as you soon enter the bustling neighborhoods of Atlanta and Florida's coastline, including St. Petersburg. So, what's the cost of going this way?

  • Gas cost: $47 (based on an average gas price of $2.50 per gallon and a car that can cover 27.5 miles per gallon on the highway)
  • Tolls: $8.50 (for Georgia's Peach Pass), $4.50 (for Florida's Sunpass if you take I-275 S)

The Northern Route: I-85 S and I-65 S

The third option for drivers who prefer a change of scenery is taking I-85 S and I-65 S. This route will cover roughly 469 miles, and it'll take approximately 7 hours and 30 minutes to arrive in Tampa, FL. Though this route would provide a different view of Georgia and Alabama, it's the longest and has the most tolls involved.

Drivers coming through this route would pass by Montgomery, Alabama, before entering Florida and Tampa. Are you looking to head this way? Let's get into the nitty-gritty:

  • Gas cost: $54 (based on average gas prices of $2.50 per gallon for a car that achieves 28 miles per gallon on the highway)
  • Tolls: $19.05 (for Georgia's Peach Pass if you take I-85 S), $12.50 (for Alabama's E-Pass Express if you take I-65 S), $7.50 (for Florida's Sunpass if you take I-75 S or I-275 S)

Final Thoughts

Road trips can be an opportunity to relax, bond with family and friends, explore new terrain, and escape the ordinary routine. Driving from Athens-Clarke County Unified Government, Georgia to Tampa, Florida offers a range of routes, each with its own perks and pitfalls. But with a little planning, you can budget your gas and toll prices, pack your bags, and get behind the wheel for an unforgettable adventure!