The Cost of a Road Trip: Bellefontaine, OH to Virginia Beach, VA

Are you ready for a road trip from Bellefontaine, Ohio to Virginia Beach, Virginia? Whether you’re headed to see family, visit the beach, or just explore a new area, we have all the information you need to plan your trip.

When planning a road trip, one of the most critical factors to consider is the cost of the trip. Gas prices fluctuate daily, and it can be challenging to calculate how much it will cost to travel from one location to another. In this article, we’ll break down the cost of a road trip from Bellefontaine, OH to Virginia Beach, VA and provide helpful tips and recommendations along the way.

Possible Routes

There are several routes you can take when driving from Bellefontaine to Virginia Beach. The shortest distance is usually not the fastest route, and there may be other considerations such as tolls to factor in. Below are some of the most common routes with approximate distances and estimated costs.

Route 1: via I-77 South and I-64 East

The first route we’ll consider includes taking I-77 South to Charlotte and then connecting to I-64 East to Virginia Beach. This route is approximately 670 miles and would take approximately 10 hours to drive.

Based on the average gas mileage of 25 miles per gallon, you can expect to use 26.8 gallons of gas and pay around $89.64 for one complete trip. Note that this cost only includes the gas prices, and it’s not inclusive of tolls or meals.

Route 2: via I-75 South and I-64 East

Another route to Virginia Beach would be taking I-75 South and then connecting to I-64 East. This route is approximately 710 miles and would take approximately 11 hours and 10 minutes to drive.

According to our calculation based on 25 miles per gallon for gas mileage, you can expect to spend 28.4 gallons of gas and pay approximately $95.08 for one complete trip. Note that this cost is also exclusive of tolls and meals.

Route 3: via I-70 East and I-64 East

The last route we’ll consider is taking I-70 East to I-64 East. This route is around 740 miles and would take roughly 11 hours and 45 minutes to drive.

Based on our calculation of an average of 25 miles per gallon for gas mileage, you’ll use approximately 29.6 gallons of gas and pay around $99.12 for one complete trip. As with the other routes, this cost is exclusive of the tolls, meals, and other expenses.

Recommended Route

Based on the information above, the most affordable route is Route 1, taking I-77 South and connecting to I-64 East. It's also the shortest distance and should take around 10 hours to drive.

In contrast, Route 2 is slightly longer, with 710 miles, and will take around 11 hours and 10 minutes to drive. It also costs more in gas prices compared to Route 1.

Finally, Route 3 is the longest of all the routes, and it is the most expensive one to consider. If you want to save on cost and time, then we recommend Route 1 as it is the most direct and affordable route to take.

Other Considerations

It’s important to note that the cost of the trip may be higher than just gas prices. Here are some other factors to consider:

Tolls

Depending on which route you take, there may be tolls to pay along the way. Make sure to factor these in when calculating the cost of your trip.

For example, if you decide to take Route 1, you may need to pay for tolls at the West Virginia Turnpike toll plaza, which costs around $4 to $12, depending on your vehicle.

Food and accommodation

Another significant expense you may need to consider is accommodation and food. If you’re planning to make any stops or take a break during the journey, you may need to factor in the cost of meals and accommodations.

There are several motels along the way if you’re looking for an inexpensive place to stay. As for food, we recommend packing your meals to save some money. But if you plan on having meals at a restaurant, make sure to add the cost to your budget.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the cost of a road trip from Bellefontaine, Ohio to Virginia Beach, Virginia can vary depending on the route you take, the car's mileage, and other expenses like tolls, food, and accommodations.

The most affordable route is via I-77 South and I-64 East. It's important to remember to factor in these additional expenses when calculating the cost of your trip. With proper planning and budgeting, you can have a wonderful road trip and enjoy all the sights and sounds that Bellefontaine to Virginia Beach has to offer.