Driving Cost from Atlanta, Georgia to Longboat Key, Florida

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The Cost of a Road Trip from Atlanta, Georgia to Longboat Key, Florida

If you live in Atlanta, Georgia and are planning a trip to Longboat Key, Florida, you may be wondering about the cost of driving there. The cost of a road trip can vary depending on several factors, including the distance, gas prices, tolls, and route taken. In this article, we'll break down the different possible routes and highlight the cost and distance of each one, so you can choose the most affordable and convenient option.

Route Options

There are several route options for traveling from Atlanta, Georgia to Longboat Key, Florida. These include:

Route 1: I-75 South

This is the most direct route, taking you straight from Atlanta, Georgia to Longboat Key, Florida. The distance is approximately 486 miles, and the drive time is around 7.5 hours.

Route 2: I-75 South and Florida's Turnpike

This route involves getting onto Florida's Turnpike after taking I-75 South. The distance is slightly longer at around 500 miles, but the drive time is about the same as route 1.

Route 3: I-85 South and I-95 South

This route takes you down I-85 South from Atlanta, Georgia, and then onto I-95 South. This route is the longest at around 600 miles, and the drive time is approximately 9 hours.

Cost Breakdown

The cost of driving from Atlanta, Georgia to Longboat Key, Florida will vary depending on the current price of gas, the distance driven, and any tolls or fees along the way. Here is a breakdown of the cost for each route option based on current gas prices:

Route 1: I-75 South

Assuming an average gas mileage of 25 miles per gallon and a gas price of $3 per gallon, the cost of gas for this route would come out to around $73. The route doesn't have any tolls, so the total expense would be around $73.

Route 2: I-75 South and Florida's Turnpike

Assuming the same gas mileage and gas price as route 1, the cost of gas for this route would come out to around $75. However, there are several tolls along this route, including:

  • Georgia's Peach Pass toll: $10 to $12 (depending on time of day and traffic)
  • Florida's Turnpike tolls: approximately $25 in total

This brings the total cost for this route to around $110 to $112.

Route 3: I-85 South and I-95 South

Using the same gas mileage and gas price as the previous routes, the cost of gas for this route would come out to around $88. There are also several tolls along this route, including:

  • Georgia's Peach Pass toll: $10 to $12
  • South Carolina's toll on I-95: $5
  • Florida's toll on I-95: $4

This brings the total cost for this route to around $107 to $109.

Best Route Recommendation

Based on the cost breakdown and driving time, the best route for a road trip from Atlanta, Georgia to Longboat Key, Florida is Route 1 - I-75 South. It's the most direct and shortest route, doesn't have any tolls, and is the least expensive option. Additionally, the route takes you through several scenic small towns in Georgia and Florida, so you can make some stops along the way and enjoy the journey.

Conclusion

Overall, the cost of a road trip from Atlanta, Georgia to Longboat Key, Florida will depend on the route taken, gas prices, and tolls. While there are several route options, including I-75 South and Florida's Turnpike or I-85 South and I-95 South, the most affordable and recommended route is I-75 South. With a total cost of around $73 for gas and no tolls, it's the quickest and most cost-effective way to get to Longboat Key, Florida from Atlanta, Georgia.