The Cost of a Trip between Atlantic Beach, North Carolina and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina: Comparing Routes Based on Current Gas Prices
Atlantic Beach, North Carolina, and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, are two popular beach destinations on the East Coast, each offering unique experiences for visitors. If you're planning a trip between these two coastal towns, it's essential to consider the cost of transportation. With fluctuating gas prices, understanding the expenses associated with each route can help you make an informed decision. In this article, we will explore different possible routes and highlight the cost and distance of each one, ultimately recommending the best route for your trip.
1. Choosing the Right Road:
When embarking on a trip from Atlantic Beach to Myrtle Beach, there are primarily two options for routes – a more direct route via Interstate 40 and another via US-70 and US-17. Let's delve into each route to assess the cost and distance associated with them.
1.1 Route 1: Interstate 40
The first and more direct route is to join Interstate 40, which runs through North Carolina and extends into South Carolina. Here is a breakdown of the cost and distance for this route:
Distance: The total driving distance between Atlantic Beach, North Carolina, and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, via Interstate 40 is approximately 325 miles.
Gas Cost: Given an average fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon (mpg) and the current national average gas price of $2.85 per gallon, the approximate gas cost for this route would be:
Gas cost = (325 miles / 25 mpg) * $2.85 = $37.05
Therefore, the projected gas cost for traveling from Atlantic Beach to Myrtle Beach via Interstate 40 is around $37.05.
1.2 Route 2: US-70 and US-17
The second route is a more scenic option, allowing you to explore parts of US-70 and US-17. While this path might be slightly longer, it offers beautiful coastal views along the way. Let's take a closer look at the cost and distance implications:
Distance: The total driving distance between Atlantic Beach, North Carolina, and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, via US-70 and US-17 is approximately 355 miles.
Gas Cost: Calculating the gas cost for this route using the same metrics as before, we get:
Gas cost = (355 miles / 25 mpg) * $2.85 = $40.17
Thus, the projected gas cost for traveling from Atlantic Beach to Myrtle Beach via US-70 and US-17 is around $40.17.
2. Recommended Route:
After assessing both routes based on costs and distances, we can determine the recommended route for your trip from Atlantic Beach, North Carolina, to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
The cost difference between the two routes is approximately $3, with the US-70 and US-17 route being slightly more expensive. However, the difference in distance is only 30 miles, and the added scenic beauty of the second route makes it worth considering. Moreover, this scenic drive through US-70 and US-17 presents a unique opportunity to explore some charming coastal towns along the way.
Therefore, the recommended route for your trip from Atlantic Beach to Myrtle Beach is via US-70 and US-17.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, when planning your trip between Atlantic Beach, North Carolina, and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, it's crucial to factor in the cost of transportation. By comparing the two routes – Interstate 40 and US-70 & US-17 – we have concluded that the recommended route is the latter. Although it is slightly more expensive in terms of gas cost, the 30-mile difference in distance is mitigated by the scenic beauty offered along the drive. So, pack your bags and get ready for an enjoyable coastal excursion from Atlantic Beach to Myrtle Beach!
Total Trip Time: The estimated trip time for the recommended route, considering an average driving speed of 60 miles per hour, is approximately 6 hours, including breaks and rest stops.