The Cost of Driving from Benton, Arkansas to Norfolk, Virginia

Are you considering a road trip from Benton, Arkansas to Norfolk, Virginia? It can be a fun adventure, but it's important to plan accordingly, especially when it comes to the cost of driving. Gas prices and tolls can add up quickly, so it's best to know your options before hitting the road. In this post, we'll explore several routes from Benton to Norfolk, and the costs associated with each.

Route 1: I-40E and I-81N

The most direct route from Benton, Arkansas to Norfolk, Virginia is to take I-40E and I-81N. This route covers approximately 1050 miles and takes around 16 hours, depending on traffic and stops. According to GasBuddy, the average gas price in Arkansas is currently around $2.68 per gallon, while in Virginia it's around $2.48 per gallon. Based on these prices, and assuming a car gets around 25 miles per gallon, the estimated cost of this trip would be around $200 in gas alone. There are also several tolls along this route, including the Cumberland Gap Tunnel ($4), the West Virginia Turnpike ($12.35), and the New River Gorge Bridge ($4).

Route 2: I-40E, I-81N, and I-64E

Another option is to take the same route as listed above, but continue on I-64E towards Norfolk, Virginia. This adds approximately 40 miles and 40 minutes to the trip, but may be worth it if you want to avoid busy city traffic. According to GasBuddy, gas prices in Virginia Beach, which is on the way to Norfolk, are around $2.48 per gallon. With this in mind, the estimated cost of this route would be around $225 in gas alone, plus the tolls mentioned above.

Route 3: I-30E, I-20E, I-59N, I-65N, I-24E, I-40E, I-81N, and I-64E

If you're interested in taking a more scenic route, you can avoid the interstate highways and take a longer trip through the Great Smoky Mountains. This route covers approximately 1500 miles and takes around 24 hours, depending on traffic and stops. According to GasBuddy, gas prices in Tennessee and Virginia are relatively consistent with Virginia Beach at around $2.48 per gallon. With this in mind, the estimated cost of this route would be around $340 in gas alone, plus tolls. There are several tolls along this route, including the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway ($12), the Cumberland Gap Tunnel ($4), the West Virginia Turnpike ($12.35), and the New River Gorge Bridge ($4).

Route 4: The Quantico Route

One alternative route is to take I-30E to Little Rock and then US-67S to Texarkana. Then, take I-49N to Missouri before jumping on I-44E. Turn on I-64E in St. Louis, MO and continue straight to the destination. This route covers around 1050 miles and takes approximately 16 hours. According to GasBuddy, the average gas prices in Missouri is around $2.64 per gallon while in Virginia, it's around $2.48 per gallon. Assuming a car gets around 25 miles per gallon, the estimated cost of this trip would be around $208 in gas alone, plus the tolls mentioned in the previous routes.

When it comes to road trips, it's important to remember that the cost of gas and tolls can add up quickly. By planning ahead and choosing the best route, you can save money and make the most of your trip. Safe travels!