Road Trip Costs: Driving from Belmont, NC to St. Louis, MO

Are you planning a road trip from Belmont, North Carolina to St. Louis, Missouri? While there are a few different routes you could take, each one has its own advantages and drawbacks. In this post, we'll go over some of the best options and help you determine how much you can expect to spend on gas, tolls, and other expenses.

Route 1: I-40 W and I-70 W

This route takes you through four states: North Carolina, Tennessee, Illinois, and Missouri. The total distance is approximately 750 miles, and it takes about 12 hours to complete the drive.

If you take this route, you can expect to pay around $85 for gas (based on an average gas price of $2.25 per gallon) and potentially $20-$30 in tolls depending on the exact route you take. While this is the most direct route, it can be somewhat boring since you'll be on the highway for most of the drive.

Route 2: I-81 S and I-64 W

If you're looking for a more scenic route, consider taking I-81 S and I-64 W. This route takes you through Virginia, Kentucky, and Illinois before ending in Missouri. While it's a bit longer (approximately 830 miles) and takes about 13.5 hours to complete, you'll get to see some beautiful scenery along the way.

On this route, you can expect to pay around $90 for gas and potentially $20-$30 in tolls. While this route is a bit longer than Route 1, the beautiful views make it worth considering.

Route 3: US-50 W and I-70 W

Finally, you could take US-50 W and I-70 W, which takes you through five states: North Carolina, Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois, and Missouri. This route is approximately 780 miles long and takes about 13 hours to complete.

If you take this route, you can expect to pay around $90 for gas and potentially $20-$30 in tolls. While it's not quite as scenic as Route 2, this route has less traffic and can be a more enjoyable drive.

Conclusion

So, how much can you expect to spend on a road trip from Belmont, NC to St. Louis, MO? Based on the above routes and gas prices, you can expect to pay anywhere from $85 to $90 for gas and potentially $20-$30 in tolls. Though some routes may be longer than others, each one has its own advantages and could be the perfect fit for your trip. Safe travels!