Counting the Cost: A Road Trip from Bennettsville, SC to Oak Island, NC

If you're planning on taking a road trip from Bennettsville, SC to Oak Island, NC, one of the first things you'll need to consider is the cost of the journey. With gas prices fluctuating constantly, it's important to do your research and figure out the most cost-effective route before you hit the road.

Route Options

There are a few different route options for anyone traveling between Bennettsville, SC and Oak Island, NC. Each one takes a slightly different course and has its own pros and cons in terms of distance and cost. Here are the three main options:

Route 1: US-17 S

The most direct route to Oak Island from Bennettsville is to take US-17 S all the way down the coast. This route covers a distance of approximately 116 miles and takes around 2 hours and 15 minutes to drive.

The downside of this route is that it can be fairly expensive in terms of gas, as you'll be driving for quite a while. However, it does offer some beautiful scenery as you travel down the coast, so it can be worth it if you have some extra time and money to spare.

Route 2: I-95 S and NC 421 S

Another option is to take I-95 S until you reach NC 421 S, which you'll follow all the way to Oak Island. This route covers a distance of approximately 144 miles and takes around 2 hours and 45 minutes to drive.

While this route is a bit longer than Route 1, it can be more cost-effective in terms of gas, as you'll primarily be driving on the interstate. However, it can be a bit less scenic than the coastal route.

Route 3: NC-38 W and US-74 E

Finally, you can take NC-38 W until you reach US-74 E, which you'll follow all the way to Oak Island. This route covers a distance of approximately 149 miles and takes around 3 hours to drive.

While this route is the longest of the three, it can actually be the most cost-effective in terms of gas. Additionally, it offers some beautiful scenery as you pass through rural North Carolina.

Cost Breakdown

Once you've decided on a route, it's important to calculate how much you can expect to spend on gas for your journey. Keep in mind that gas prices vary depending on where you fill up and what kind of vehicle you're driving. For this breakdown, we'll assume an average gas price of $2.50 per gallon and a car with a fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon.

Here's how much you can expect to spend on gas for each of the three routes:

Route 1: US-17 S

If you take Route 1, you'll be driving approximately 116 miles. This means you'll need 4.64 gallons of gas to complete the journey. At $2.50 per gallon, that comes out to a total cost of $11.60.

Route 2: I-95 S and NC 421 S

If you take Route 2, you'll be driving approximately 144 miles. This means you'll need 5.76 gallons of gas to complete the journey. At $2.50 per gallon, that comes out to a total cost of $14.40.

Route 3: NC-38 W and US-74 E

If you take Route 3, you'll be driving approximately 149 miles. This means you'll need 5.96 gallons of gas to complete the journey. At $2.50 per gallon, that comes out to a total cost of $14.90.

Conclusion

So, which route should you take if you're looking for the most cost-effective journey from Bennettsville, SC to Oak Island, NC? Based on the route distances and gas prices, Route 1 is the cheapest at $11.60. However, if you're interested in a more scenic drive or prefer to stay off the interstate, Route 3 is only slightly more expensive at $14.90.

Ultimately, the choice between these routes will depend on your personal preferences and priorities. Regardless of which one you choose, however, you can expect a relatively short and affordable drive from Bennettsville to Oak Island.