A Friendly Guide to the Cost of Driving from Ballenger Creek, Maryland to Orlando, Florida

If you're looking for a road trip that offers a mix of scenic views and sunshine-filled days, driving from Ballenger Creek, Maryland to Orlando, Florida may be the perfect choice for you. Before hitting the road, however, it's important to take into account the cost of the trip based on current gas prices. In this guide, we’ll break down the different routes you can take, the distance, the time it takes, and the cost of each route.

Route 1: I-95 South

This is the most direct route to take, as it follows the coast and takes around 13 hours and 30 minutes, covering approximately 807 miles. Expect to pay roughly $112 in gas, assuming you have a fuel-efficient car that gets around 25 miles per gallon and current gas prices are at $2.80 per gallon. While this is the shortest route, keep in mind that it’s also the most crowded and you’ll incur toll fees along the way.

Toll fees on this route include the Fort McHenry Tunnel, Baltimore Harbor Tunnel, Delaware Expressway, John F. Kennedy Memorial Highway, New Jersey Turnpike, Pennsylvania Turnpike, and several other smaller fees.

Route 2: I-81 South

This is an alternative route for those looking to avoid the traffic and toll fees on I-95. This route follows the Appalachian Mountains and takes around 15 hours and 30 minutes, covering roughly 1,029 miles. Expect to pay around $147 in gas, assuming that gas prices are at $2.80 per gallon, and your car gets an average of 25 miles per gallon.

While this route is slightly longer in terms of distance, you’ll get to enjoy the scenic views of Appalachia and avoid the high traffic volume of I-95. As for toll fees, they’re significantly less, with only a few smaller fees along the way.

Route 3: I-77 South and I-26 East

This route takes you through the Appalachian mountains before heading south to Orlando. It takes around 16 hours and 45 minutes and covers approximately 1,112 miles. Expect to pay around $157 for gas, assuming you have a fuel-efficient car and gas prices are at $2.80 per gallon.

While this route has fewer tolls than the first, you will still have a few along the way, including the West Virginia Turnpike and the Florida Turnpike.

Route 4: US 301 South

This is the longest route, but it is also the most scenic. You'll be driving through small towns, country roads, and breathtaking views of the countryside. It takes approximately 18 hours and 15 minutes, covering around 1,111 miles. Expect to pay around $158 for gas, assuming you have a fuel-efficient car and gas prices are at $2.80 per gallon.

Unlike the other routes that take you on interstates, this one will have almost no tolls, which makes it great if you want to avoid the extra cost.

Conclusion

Driving from Ballenger Creek, Maryland to Orlando, Florida is a long journey, and the cost of gas and tolls should not be taken trivially. Each route comes with its pros and cons, whether it be in terms of toll fees and traffic or the scenic routes. Choose a route that best suits your needs, budget, and preferences. Now, it's time to hit the road and enjoy the drive!