Driving Cost from Atlanta, Georgia to Lebanon, New Jersey

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The Cost of Your Atlanta to Lebanon Road Trip in 2021

Planning a road trip from Atlanta, Georgia to Lebanon, New Jersey can be tricky. Many factors can influence your travel expenses, such as distance, fuel prices, vehicle efficiency, and route options. This guide aims to help you make an informed decision on which route to take and how much to budget for a road trip from Atlanta to Lebanon in 2021.

Route Options

There are three main route options for traveling by car from Atlanta, Georgia, to Lebanon, New Jersey:

Route 1: I-85 N and I-95 N (1,030 miles)

This route takes you through several states in the East Coast, crossing major cities like Charlotte, Richmond, and Baltimore. You would start by taking I-85 N from Atlanta and connect with I-95 N in Petersburg, Virginia. Then, you would follow I-95 N until you reach Lebanon, New Jersey.

Route 2: I-75 N and I-81 N (820 miles)

This route follows a more western direction, passing through Tennessee, Kentucky, West Virginia, and Virginia. You would begin by taking I-75 N from Atlanta and switch to I-81 N in Knoxville, Tennessee. Finally, you would follow I-81 N until you reach Lebanon, New Jersey.

Route 3: I-20 E, I-95 N, and NJ-18 N (1,050 miles)

This route combines the southern part of Route 1 with the New Jersey Turnpike while avoiding Baltimore, Maryland. You would start by taking I-20 E from Atlanta and follow it until you reach Florence, South Carolina. Then, you would switch to I-95 N and take it until you reach NJ-18 N in East Brunswick, New Jersey. Finally, you would follow NJ-18 N until you reach Lebanon.

Fuel Costs

Fuel costs are an essential aspect of any road trip budget. The more miles you travel, the more money you spend on fuel. Additionally, fuel prices can vary significantly depending on the region and the time of year. For this article's purposes, we will assume an average fuel price of $2.50 per gallon and a car that gets 30 miles per gallon (MPG).

Using these parameters, we can estimate the fuel costs for each route as follows, based on the round trip:

Route 1:

  • Distance: 1,030 miles (2,060 miles round trip)
  • Gallons needed: 68.67 (137.34 round trip)
  • Fuel cost: $171.67 ($343.34 round trip)

Route 2:

  • Distance: 820 miles (1,640 miles round trip)
  • Gallons needed: 54.67 (109.34 round trip)
  • Fuel cost: $136.67 ($273.34 round trip)

Route 3:

  • Distance: 1,050 miles (2,100 miles round trip)
  • Gallons needed: 70 (140 round trip)
  • Fuel cost: $175 ($350 round trip)

As you can see, Route 2 is the most fuel-efficient, while Route 3 is the least efficient. However, the differences in fuel costs between routes are relatively small, being less than $40.

Other Expenses

Besides fuel costs, there are other expenses to consider when budgeting for a road trip. These include food, lodging, tolls, and any attractions or activities you might want to visit along the way.

Food and lodging costs can vary widely depending on your preferences and budget. However, if you plan to eat at restaurants and stay in motels or hotels, you can expect to spend around $50 to $100 per day per person.

Tolls are another expense to consider, especially if you plan to take Route 1 or Route 3, as they both involve toll roads. For example, one-way tolls on the Virginia portion of I-95 can add up to $25, while the New Jersey Turnpike toll for passenger cars is $13.85.

Finally, if you plan to visit attractions or do activities, such as visiting museums, parks, or theaters, you should factor in their respective admission fees or costs.

Best Route

Based on the information presented above, Route 2 (I-75 N and I-81 N) is the best option for traveling from Atlanta, Georgia, to Lebanon, New Jersey, in terms of fuel efficiency, distance, and tolls.

This route is also the most scenic, passing through several states in the Appalachian Mountains and offering beautiful landscapes and historical sites. Additionally, Route 2 avoids major metropolitan areas, which translates to less traffic and a more relaxed driving experience.

However, if your main goal is to get to Lebanon as quickly as possible, Route 1 (I-85 N and I-95 N) is arguably the most direct option, although it involves more tolls and traffic.

Route 3 (I-20 E, I-95 N, and NJ-18 N) might be an alternative if you want to avoid Baltimore but still need to take a toll road (the New Jersey Turnpike).

Conclusion

In conclusion, a road trip from Atlanta, Georgia, to Lebanon, New Jersey, in 2021, can cost you around $550 to $1,100, depending on the route you take, the vehicle you use, and your travel style. While Route 2 (I-75 N and I-81 N) seems to be the best option overall, you should consider your personal preferences, budget, and time constraints when planning a road trip. Whatever route you choose, remember to stay safe, enjoy the journey, and have a great time!