Planning a Road Trip from Bangor, Maine to Clayton, North Carolina: The Cost of Gas

Are you planning a road trip from Bangor, Maine to Clayton, North Carolina? If so, you're in luck! The distance between these two cities is about 940 miles, and there are several different routes you can take. But before you hit the road, it's important to plan ahead and take into account the cost of gas.

Route 1: I-95 South

The most direct route from Bangor to Clayton is taking I-95 South, which stretches from Maine all the way down to Florida. This route is a little over 936 miles and should take about 15 hours to complete, assuming no stops. According to current gas prices, you can expect to pay around $70 to fill up your tank in Bangor, and about $90 for a tank of gas in Clayton.

But don't forget about tolls! Depending on where you exit and enter the highway, you may encounter tolls along the way, especially in New Hampshire, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland. Factor in an additional $25-$30 for tolls to complete this route.

Route 2: I-95 South with a Scenic Detour

Want to explore some scenic views along the way? Take I-95 South but make a few detours to break up your road trip. Some recommended stops include the White Mountains in New Hampshire, the Boston Freedom Trail, and the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland. This route is slightly longer, coming in at about 975 miles and will likely take about 16 hours to complete.

Gas prices will be about the same as Route 1, but tolls will vary depending on which detours you choose to take. We suggest adding an extra $30-$40 for tolls to account for this route's added mileage.

Route 3: Coastal Route with a Scenic Drive

If you want to ditch the highways altogether, consider taking a coastal route. One recommendation is to take Route 1 down the coast and then cut over to I-95 in Richmond, Virginia. This route is about 1,100 miles and should take about 22 hours to complete, but the views of the Atlantic Ocean will surely make the trip worth it.

Though this route seems to deviate from the other two, gas prices won't be significantly different. Keep budgeting around $70 in Bangor and $90 in Clayton. However, be aware that you may cross over bridges that require tolls along the coastal route. Allocate an additional $30 to the budget to account for any tolls.

Conclusion: Crunching the Numbers

The cost of gas for this road trip is understandably daunting, but you cannot deny the experiences that will be gained on the open road. As a summary, here are the potential costs associated with driving between Bangor, Maine, and Clayton, North Carolina.

Route	Distance	Time	Gas Cost (Total)	Tolls (Total)
Route 1	936 mi.	15 hours	$160	$30
Route 2	975 mi.	16 hours	$160	$40
Route 3	1,100 mi.	22 hours	$160	$30

Before you begin, establish a realistic travel budget that also includes lodging, food, and other road trip essentials. Budgets will vary depending on individual needs. By planning ahead and taking everything into consideration, you can make sure your road trip will be just as enjoyable as it is affordable. Safe travels!