Road-Tripping: The Cost of Driving from Benton, IL to Wilmington, NC

Are you planning a road trip from Benton, Illinois to Wilmington, North Carolina? Before you hit the road, it's important to plan your trip and consider the cost of driving. In this blog post, we'll break down the cost of driving from Benton to Wilmington based on current gas prices.

Route 1: The Fastest and Most Expensive

The quickest way to get from Benton to Wilmington by car is to take I-24 E and I-40 E and clock in at around 925 miles. This route typically takes around 14 hours and 30 minutes to complete. While it is the fastest, it's also the priciest at an estimated cost of $166.80 in gas alone. If you opt for this route, expect to pay around $10 to cover all the tolls along the way.

Route 2: Scenic but Costly

The second route is a scenic drive through the Appalachian Mountains and the Virginias and is about 80 miles longer than Route 1. This route passes through I-64E and I-77S and I-74E and ends up being around 1004 miles total, taking about 16 hours and 5 minutes to complete. The average cost of gas on this route is still quite high at $181.44 and you'll have to make sure you're stocked on cash for the many tolls on the way - which should run around $15.

Route 3: A Budget-Friendly Option

If you're looking for the most budget-friendly option, you may want to consider taking Route 3. Route 3 takes you through the south passing Memphis, Tennessee, and Atlanta, Georgia finally ending up at I-95S, then finishing off by traveling down the coast of North Carolina. The total distance traveled is 1033 miles, taking about 17 hours to complete. While longer than the previous two options, Route 3 may save you some cash at the pump, with an estimated cost of gas coming to $131.34. And despite the length, this route only requires about $10 for tolls.

Conclusion

So, which route to take? That entirely depends on your own budget and priorities for your upcoming road trip. Just remember to factor in the cost of gas and tolls into your overall budget, and don't forget to stop and enjoy the sights along the way. Good luck, and have a great trip!