The Cost of a Trip from Ball Ground, GA to Petoskey, MI: A Guide Based on Current Gas Prices

Planning a trip can be exciting, but it can also be overwhelming. Between choosing the right route, estimating costs, and figuring out the best time to travel, it can be exhausting. One of the most important factors to consider when planning a road trip is the cost of gas, especially if you are traveling a long distance. In this article, we will go over the different routes from Ball Ground, Georgia to Petoskey, Michigan, highlighting the costs and distances of each one, so you can decide the most efficient and cost-effective route.

Route Options

Option 1: Via I-75 N and I-65 N

This route takes you through Atlanta, then through Nashville, Louisville, and Indianapolis before reaching Petoskey. The total distance is 765 miles, and it takes approximately 12 hours and 10 minutes to drive non-stop.

The gas cost for this route, based on an average fuel efficiency of 25 MPG and a national gas price of $2.85/gallon, is about $108.56.

Option 2: Via I-24 W and I-65 N

This route takes you through Chattanooga and Nashville before meeting up with the previous route in Louisville. The total distance is 773 miles, and it takes approximately 12 hours and 25 minutes to drive non-stop.

The gas cost for this route, based on the same fuel efficiency and gas price as Option 1, is about $109.86.

Option 3: Via I-20 W and I-65 N

This route takes you through Birmingham and Huntsville before meeting up with the previous two routes in Nashville. The total distance is 834 miles, and it takes approximately 13 hours and 20 minutes to drive non-stop.

The gas cost for this route, based on the same fuel efficiency and gas price as the previous options, is about $118.32.

Recommendations

Based on the gas costs and driving distances, Option 1 is the most cost-effective and efficient way to travel from Ball Ground, GA to Petoskey, MI. Although it is only a slightly shorter distance than Option 2, it saves about $1.30 in gas. Option 3 is the least efficient, both in time and gas costs.

Additional Considerations

Of course, gas prices can vary depending on the state, time of year, and even day, so it is always a good idea to double-check prices before hitting the road. You can use websites like GasBuddy or AAA's Fuel Price Finder to get the most up-to-date prices along your route.

Additionally, it is important to factor in any tolls and potential overnight stays when planning a long road trip. You can use websites like TollGuru to estimate tolls and hotel booking sites to find affordable accommodations along your route.

Conclusion

Overall, calculating the cost of gas and researching routes can help make your road trip planning smoother and more efficient. Ideally, you want to find the route that saves you the most money without adding too much extra time to your trip. Between the three options, we recommend Option 1, which takes you through Atlanta, Nashville, Louisville, and Indianapolis before reaching Petoskey, MI. It offers the best balance between gas costs and driving distance, making your trip from Ball Ground, GA to Petoskey, MI an enjoyable and affordable adventure.