The Cost of a Trip from Auburn, Maine to Littleton, North Carolina

Introduction

Planning a road trip from Auburn, Maine to Littleton, North Carolina? One of the most important factors to consider is the cost of the trip. With fluctuating gas prices, it's crucial to assess the expenses involved in each possible route. In this article, we will explore the different routes, along with their respective costs and distances, to help you make an informed decision when embarking on this journey.

Route Options

Route 1: I-95 South and I-64 West

One of the most popular routes for traveling between Auburn, Maine, and Littleton, North Carolina, is taking I-95 South and then switching to I-64 West. Despite the longer distance, this route offers a more direct path, minimizing the amount of time spent on state highways or local roads.

The distance from Auburn, Maine, to Littleton, North Carolina, using this route is approximately 875 miles. Considering the average gas mileage of most vehicles, which ranges between 25 and 30 miles per gallon (MPG), we can estimate the number of gallons required for the trip.

Assuming an average gas mileage of 27 MPG, the number of gallons needed for the journey would be 32.41 gallons (875 miles / 27 MPG). To determine the cost, we need to consider the current gas prices.

As of August 2021, the average gas price in the United States is $3.18 per gallon. Multiplying the number of gallons (32.41) by the gas price ($3.18), we find that the estimated cost for this route is approximately $103.24.

Route 2: I-95 South, US-301 South, and I-64 West

Another option is to take I-95 South just like in Route 1, but instead of continuing on I-95 South, switch to US-301 South, which eventually connects to I-64 West. This route offers a slightly shorter distance and may avoid potential traffic congestion on I-95.

The distance from Auburn, Maine, to Littleton, North Carolina, using this route is approximately 850 miles. Applying the same gas mileage estimation (27 MPG), we can calculate the number of gallons needed for the trip to determine the cost.

Based on the distance and gas mileage, the number of gallons required for this route would be 31.48 gallons (850 miles / 27 MPG). Considering the average gas price of $3.18 per gallon, the estimated cost for this route is approximately $100.04.

Route 3: I-95 South, US-301 South, and US-158 West

An alternative to Route 2 is taking I-95 South until switching to US-301 South, similar to the previous route. However, instead of continuing on I-64 West, this route suggests taking US-158 West, which leads directly to Littleton, North Carolina.

The distance from Auburn, Maine, to Littleton, North Carolina, using this route is approximately 837 miles. Applying the same gas mileage estimation (27 MPG), we can calculate the number of gallons needed for the trip.

According to the distance and gas mileage, the number of gallons required for this route would be 31 gallons (837 miles / 27 MPG). Considering the average gas price of $3.18 per gallon, the estimated cost for this route is approximately $98.58.

Recommended Route

After assessing the distances and costs of each route, the third option, Route 3, seems to be the most economical choice. Although the distance is only marginally shorter compared to Route 2, it offers a slight saving in terms of gas expenses.

Conclusion

In conclusion, when planning a road trip from Auburn, Maine, to Littleton, North Carolina, it is crucial to consider the cost of the trip based on current gas prices. The recommended route, Route 3 (I-95 South, US-301 South, and US-158 West), offers an estimated cost of approximately $98.58, considering an average gas mileage of 27 MPG.

The trip covers a distance of approximately 837 miles and results in a travel time of approximately X hours. Remember to check for fluctuating gas prices and any possible road closures or construction before setting out on your journey. Safe travels!