The Cost of a Trip between Atlanta, Georgia and Rutland, Vermont: A Comprehensive Guide Based on Gas Prices

Taking a road trip from Atlanta, Georgia to Rutland, Vermont can be an experience worth remembering. The route is over 1000 miles long and will take you through some of the most beautiful scenery in the United States. However, before embarking on the journey, it is essential to plan for the costs you will incur, including fuel, tolls, accommodation, and food. This guide provides a detailed analysis of the cost of the trip based on current gas prices, possible routes, and the most cost-effective route.

Possible Routes

There are various routes you can take from Atlanta, Georgia, to Rutland, Vermont, but choosing the most efficient one can save you a lot in fuel, tolls, and time. Below are the most common routes you can consider for your trip.

Route 1 - via I-85 N, I-95 N, and I-84 E

The first route involves taking I-85 N and connecting to I-95 N in Richmond, Virginia. From there, you will continue driving on I-95 N until you get to Hartford, Connecticut, where you will connect to I-84 E and make your way to Rutland, Vermont. This route covers approximately 1125 miles and will take you around 18 hours and 15 minutes to complete.

Route 2 - via I-81 N and I-88 E

The second route involves taking I-85 N to I-81 N in Tennessee and then following it all the way to Binghamton, New York. From there, you will take I-88 E to Ridge Road, which leads to the center of Rutland, Vermont. This route covers approximately 1080 miles and will take you around 17 hours and 40 minutes to complete.

Route 3 - via I-77 N, I-79 N, and I-77 N

The third route involves taking I-85 N to I-77 N in Charlotte, North Carolina. From there, you will continue driving on I-77 N until you connect with I-79 N near Charleston, West Virginia, and continue following I-77 N to Cleveland, Ohio. From there, you will take I-90 E to Route 4 in Rutland, Vermont. This route covers approximately 1170 miles and will take you around 18 hours and 20 minutes to complete.

Cost Analysis

To give an accurate cost analysis, we will use the current gas prices according to AAA's Daily Fuel Gauge Report as of September 2021. The national average price for a gallon of regular gas is $3.18, while the average price in Georgia is $2.88, and Vermont's average price is $3.16.

Route 1 Cost Analysis

Assuming your vehicle's fuel efficiency is 25 miles per gallon, taking Route 1 from Atlanta, Georgia, to Rutland, Vermont, will require approximately 45 gallons of gas. At the current national average price of $3.18 per gallon, you will spend approximately $143.10 on fuel alone. However, if you fill up in Georgia, where gas is cheaper at $2.88 per gallon, you will spend approximately $129.60 on fuel alone.

Route 2 Cost Analysis

Based on the same fuel efficiency and gas prices, taking Route 2 from Atlanta, Georgia, to Rutland, Vermont, will require approximately 43 gallons of gas. You will spend approximately $136.74 on fuel if you use the national average price and $124.10 if you fill up in Georgia, where gas is cheaper.

Route 3 Cost Analysis

Taking Route 3 from Atlanta, Georgia, to Rutland, Vermont, requires approximately 47 gallons of gas with the same fuel efficiency. You will spend approximately $149.46 on fuel if you use the national average price and $135.36 if you fill up in Georgia.

Recommended Route

Based on the distance and cost analysis, Route 2 via I-81 N and I-88 E is the most cost-effective and efficient route. It is approximately 1080 miles long and will take you around 17 hours and 40 minutes to complete. Your estimated fuel cost will be $124.10 if you fill up in Georgia and $136.74 if you use the national average price.

Conclusion

A road trip from Atlanta, Georgia, to Rutland, Vermont, can be a thrilling experience. However, thorough planning is essential to avoid unnecessary expenses. Based on the current gas prices, Route 2 via I-81 N and I-88 E is the most cost-effective and efficient route. The 1080 miles long route will take you around 17 hours and 40 minutes to complete, and you will spend approximately $124.10 on fuel if you fill up in Georgia.