Driving Cost from Bangor, Maine to Wilmington, North Carolina

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The Cost of Driving From Bangor, Maine to Wilmington, North Carolina

If you're planning a road trip from Bangor, Maine to Wilmington, North Carolina, you're in for an exciting adventure! Exploring the East Coast by car offers breathtaking views, charming towns, and the freedom to make spontaneous stops along the way. However, before you hit the road, it's essential to have an idea of the cost of your trip based on current gas prices. In this blog post, we'll explore a few different routes you can take, highlight the distance, time, and most importantly, the cost of each route.

Route 1: The Coastal Journey

If you're a fan of scenic drives and coastal views, this route is for you! Taking I-95 S for most of the trip, you'll be able to enjoy the charming towns and beautiful Atlantic coastline along the way. Here are the key details you need to know:

  • Distance: Approximately 1,025 miles
  • Driving Time: Around 18 hours, depending on traffic and breaks
  • Gas Price: As of November 2021, the average gas price is $3.35 per gallon.

Considering a car with an average fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, here's what you can expect in terms of cost:

  • Gas Cost: With a rough estimate of 41 gallons needed for the entire trip, you're looking at a total gas cost of approximately $137.

Route 2: The Inland Express

For those who prefer a more direct route, this alternative will get you to Wilmington in a shorter amount of time. Taking I-84 W and I-81 S for most of the journey, you'll bypass the coastal towns but make up for it by arriving at your destination faster. Let's take a look at the details:

  • Distance: Approximately 950 miles
  • Driving Time: Around 16 hours, depending on traffic and breaks
  • Gas Price: As of November 2021, the average gas price is $3.35 per gallon.

Considering the same average car fuel efficiency, here's the cost breakdown:

  • Gas Cost: With a rough estimate of 38 gallons needed for the entire trip, you're looking at a total gas cost of approximately $127.

Route 3: The Scenic Detour

If you're someone who enjoys exploring off-the-beaten-path places and doesn't mind adding a few extra miles to your trip, this scenic detour might be worth considering. Taking I-95 S for most of the journey but deviating towards the picturesque Blue Ridge Parkway, you'll be treated to breathtaking mountain views before making your way back to the coast. Here are the key details:

  • Distance: Approximately 1,090 miles
  • Driving Time: Around 19 hours, depending on traffic and breaks
  • Gas Price: As of November 2021, the average gas price is $3.35 per gallon.

Using the same calculations as before, here's what you can expect in terms of cost:

  • Gas Cost: With a rough estimate of 44 gallons needed for the entire trip, the total gas cost of this scenic detour will be approximately $147.

Toll Costs

Additionally, it's important to consider potential toll costs as you plan your budget for this road trip. While the exact amount may vary, here are some approximate toll prices for each route:

  • Route 1: You can expect to pay around $55 in tolls along the way.
  • Route 2: Tolls on this route can amount to approximately $45.
  • Route 3: If you opt for the scenic detour, you may encounter tolls totaling approximately $70.

Conclusion

As you plan your road trip from Bangor, Maine to Wilmington, North Carolina, it's crucial to factor in the cost of gas and potential tolls. With the current average gas price of $3.35 per gallon, you can estimate the total gas cost for each route to be approximately $137 for Route 1, $127 for Route 2, and $147 for Route 3. Be sure to consider your preferences, time constraints, and budget when choosing the best route for your adventure. Safe travels and enjoy the journey!