Driving Cost from Bay City, Michigan to Atlanta, Georgia

A picture depicting a gas pump

The Cost of a Road Trip Between Bay City, Michigan and Atlanta, Georgia

As the pandemic starts to die down, you might be wondering what to do with your summer. A road trip may be a great way to explore different places and have some fun alone or with your family. If you are thinking of heading down from Bay City, Michigan to Atlanta, Georgia, this article will guide you through the cost, distance, and possible routes you can take.

Routes and Total Distance

When driving from Bay City, Michigan to Atlanta, Georgia, you have different options of routes to take. The first route you can take is the I-75 S, which is the direct route. The total distance you have to cover is about 740 miles, and it takes about 11 hours and 11 minutes to arrive in Atlanta, Georgia.

Another option is the I-65 S and I-65 S, which is a popular route that goes through different cities. The total distance is about 840 miles, and it takes about 12 hours and 45 minutes.

Lastly, you can take the I-69 S and I-65 S, which is the longest route with a total distance of about 1,000 miles. This route covers different states and takes about 15 hours and 5 minutes.

Gas Prices

Gasoline is a significant expense for any road trip, and its price varies depending on the state and location. The average gas price in Michigan is $3.032 per gallon, while the average gas price in Georgia is $2.862 per gallon. In between these states, gas prices range from $2.80 to $3.25, depending on the station and the state.

When calculating the cost of gas, you should also consider the gas mileage of your vehicle. For instance, the 2021 Honda Civic gets about 36 miles per gallon (mpg) on the highway, while the 2021 Toyota Corolla gets about 38 mpg.

Possible Expenses

Aside from gas, there are other expenses that you should consider before heading on a road trip. These expenses include food, drinks, lodging, tolls, and parking fees.

Tolls fees vary from state to state, and they can be a significant expense if you are not careful. For instance, when using the Indiana Toll Road on the I-80/I90, you will pay about $9.90 for a passenger vehicle for the entire distance. In Illinois, tolls on I-90 are $4.80 for a car.

Parking fees can also add up. If you are traveling to Atlanta, Georgia, you will need to pay for parking in your hotel or other places you visit. These fees can add up to $20 to $25 per day.

Cost Breakdown

Now, let's calculate the cost of driving from Bay City, Michigan to Atlanta, Georgia, considering an average gas price of $3.00 per gallon. To calculate the cost, we will use the following assumptions:

  • The car's gas mileage is 36 mpg.
  • The car's gas tank holds 12 gallons of gas.

Using these assumptions, we can calculate the number of gallons of gas needed for each route.

  • I-75 S: 740 miles ÷ 36 mpg = 20.55 gallons x $3.00 per gallon = $61.65
  • I-65 S: 840 miles ÷ 36 mpg = 23.33 gallons x $3.00 per gallon = $69.99
  • I-69 S and I-65 S: 1,000 miles ÷ 36 mpg = 27.78 gallons x $3.00 per gallon = $83.34

Based on this calculation, the total cost of gas for the trip will range from $61.65 to $83.34, depending on the route you take. However, this is just the cost of gas, and you should also consider other expenses as mentioned earlier.

When considering the cost, distance, and possible expenses, the I-75 S is the best route to take on a trip from Bay City, Michigan, to Atlanta, Georgia. This route is the most direct and shortest, and it has fewer toll roads than the other routes.

Additionally, the I-75 S route goes through major cities that offer gas stations, restaurants, and hotels, making it easy to refill your car, take breaks, and continue with your trip.

Conclusion

Embarking on a road trip can be a great experience, but it's important to consider the cost, mileage, and possible expenses. When driving from Bay City, Michigan, to Atlanta, Georgia, the best route is the I-75 S, which is about 740 miles and takes about 11 hours and 11 minutes. The total cost of gas for the trip is estimated between $61.65 to $83.34, depending on the route you take. However, you should also consider other expenses like food, drinks, lodging, tolls, and parking fees, which can ultimately determine the overall cost of the trip.