The Cost of a Road Trip between Atlanta, Georgia and Kure Beach, North Carolina

If you're planning to drive from Atlanta, Georgia to Kure Beach, North Carolina, there are a few different routes you could take. Which one you choose will depend in large part on your budget and how much time you have available. In this article, we'll break down the costs and distances of each route and recommend the best one based on the current price of gasoline.

Route 1: I-85 and I-40

This is the most direct route between Atlanta and Kure Beach, taking you through North Carolina's Piedmont and the eastern part of the state. The total distance is approximately 401 miles, and you can expect the drive to take around 6 hours depending on traffic.

Using current gas prices (as of October 2021), you can expect to pay around $60.15 for gas each way if you're driving a car that gets 25 miles per gallon (MPG). This assumes a gas price of $3.30 per gallon, which is close to the national average at the time of writing.

Overall, the cost of this route is relatively low, especially if you're traveling with a full car or splitting the cost with someone else. The main drawback is that it's a long, somewhat tedious drive that doesn't offer many scenic highlights along the way.

Route 2: I-20 and US-421

This route takes you along the southern edge of North Carolina, passing through Charlotte and Winston-Salem before heading east toward the coast. The total distance is approximately 447 miles, and you can expect the drive to take around 7 hours depending on traffic.

Using the same assumptions about gas prices and car efficiency, you can expect to pay around $68.31 for gas each way on this route. That's quite a bit more than Route 1, due to the extra distance.

However, this route does offer some advantages over the more direct option. For one thing, you'll pass through Charlotte, which is a major city with plenty of dining and entertainment options if you're looking to break up the drive. You'll also have the opportunity to see some of North Carolina's pretty rural scenery, especially once you get off the highways and onto smaller roads.

Route 3: I-85 and US-74

This route takes you through some of North Carolina's most picturesque scenery, as well as a few small towns and historic sites. The total distance is approximately 449 miles, and you can expect the drive to take around 8 hours depending on traffic.

Unfortunately, this is also the most expensive route in terms of gas costs. Using the same assumptions as before, you can expect to pay around $68.94 for gas each way on this route. That's only a few cents more than Route 2, but it's enough to make a difference if you're traveling on a tight budget.

On the other hand, this route is arguably the most scenic and interesting, especially if you're willing to take your time and explore some of the small towns and parks along the way. Some of the highlights include the town of Shelby, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and Chimney Rock State Park.

Route 4: I-85, I-95, and US-421

This is the longest and most complex route, taking you all the way up the East Coast before turning inland toward North Carolina. The total distance is approximately 570 miles, and you can expect the drive to take around 10 hours depending on traffic and any stops you make along the way.

Using the same assumptions about gas prices and car efficiency, you can expect to pay around $87.13 for gas each way on this route. That's significantly more than any of the other options, due to the extra distance and the extra time spent driving on I-95, which tends to have higher traffic and slower speeds than other major highways.

That said, if you're looking for a true road trip experience with plenty of interesting sights and attractions along the way, this may be the route for you. Some of the highlights include the cities of Richmond and Wilmington, the beaches of Virginia and North Carolina, and plenty of quaint towns and historic sites.

Recommendation

Based on the costs and benefits of each route, we recommend Route 1 as the best option for most drivers. It's the most direct and straightforward, with relatively low gas costs and a manageable driving time. While it may not be the most exciting or scenic route, it's certainly the most efficient and economical.

That said, if you have extra time and money to spend, any of the other routes could be a worthwhile choice depending on your interests and priorities. Whether you're looking for scenic mountains, coastal beaches, or historic towns, there's something for everyone along these roads.

Conclusion

Overall, the cost of a road trip between Atlanta, Georgia and Kure Beach, North Carolina will vary depending on the route you choose and how much you spend on gas and other expenses along the way. However, by considering the options outlined in this article and using your own budget and preferences as a guide, you should be able to plan a fun and affordable trip that meets all your needs. Happy travels!