Driving Cost from Bethlehem, Pennsylvania to Durham, North Carolina

A picture depicting a gas pump

The Cost of a Trip between Bethlehem, Pennsylvania and Durham, North Carolina based on Current Gas Prices

Planning a trip can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to calculating the cost of the trip. One of the significant expenses is the cost of gas. The price of gas can vary depending on the location and season. As we approach summer, gas prices typically increase, making it important to plan ahead and calculate the total cost of the trip. In this article, we'll explore the cost of a trip between Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and Durham, North Carolina based on the current gas prices, highlight the different possible routes, and recommend the best route.

Possible Routes and Distances

There are several routes you can take when traveling from Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, to Durham, North Carolina. The choice of route depends on various factors, including the amount of time you have, the distance covered, the fuel economy of your car, and the cost of fuel.

  1. Route 1: I-95 S Distance: 429 miles

I-95 S is the most direct route, covering a distance of 429 miles and taking approximately 6 hours and 43 minutes without accounting for stops or traffic. This route passes through several states, including Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, and North Carolina.

  1. Route 2: Appalachian Mountains Distance: 598 miles

Another option is taking a scenic route through the Appalachian Mountains, covering a distance of 598 miles and taking approximately 9 hours and 14 minutes. This route offers breathtaking scenery, but it's longer and takes more time. It passes through Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, and North Carolina.

  1. Route 3: I-81 S Distance: 482 miles

I-81 S is another alternative route, covering a distance of 482 miles and taking approximately 7 hours and 28 minutes without accounting for stops or traffic. This route passes through Virginia and Tennessee before ending in North Carolina.

Gas Prices

Gas prices vary depending on the location, time of year, and global events. As of June 2021, the average gas price in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, is $3.13 per gallon, while the average gas price in Durham, North Carolina, is $2.89 per gallon. It's essential to note that gas prices can fluctuate during a trip, depending on the location and the current events.

Fuel Economy

Another factor to consider when calculating the cost of the trip is fuel economy. Fuel economy affects the number of gallons you need to travel from point A to point B. A fuel-efficient car typically has a higher MPG, meaning you need less fuel to cover more distance.

For instance, if you're driving a Toyota Prius, which has an average fuel economy of 56 MPG, you'll need approximately 7.67 gallons to cover the distance between Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and Durham, North Carolina. However, if you're driving a Dodge Ram 1500 with an average fuel economy of 17 MPG, you'll need approximately 25.23 gallons to cover the same distance.

The fuel economy of your car will play a significant role in determining the total cost of the trip.

Cost of the Trip

Using the above factors, we can calculate the cost of the trip between Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and Durham, North Carolina, using different routes.

  1. Route 1: I-95 S

Assuming you're driving a car with an average fuel economy of 25 MPG and the current gas price of $3.13 per gallon in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, you'll need approximately 17.16 gallons of gas to cover the distance of 429 miles.

Total cost of gas: $53.66 Total distance covered: 429 miles Total time: 6 hours and 43 minutes

  1. Route 2: Appalachian Mountains

Assuming you're driving a car with an average fuel economy of 25 MPG and the current gas price of $3.13 per gallon in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, you'll need approximately 23.92 gallons of gas to cover the distance of 598 miles.

Total cost of gas: $74.96 Total distance covered: 598 miles Total time: 9 hours and 14 minutes

  1. Route 3: I-81 S

Assuming you're driving a car with an average fuel economy of 25 MPG and the current gas price of $3.13 per gallon in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, you'll need approximately 19.28 gallons of gas to cover the distance of 482 miles.

Total cost of gas: $60.34 Total distance covered: 482 miles Total time: 7 hours and 28 minutes

After analyzing the different routes and their costs, the best route is I-81 S. This route is not too long, not too short, and relatively direct, with fewer possibilities of getting lost. Besides, the cost of gas is reasonable, and it takes less time than Route 2.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the cost of a trip between Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and Durham, North Carolina, is affected by various factors such as the route, distance, fuel economy, and gas prices. The best route is I-81 S, covering a distance of 482 miles and taking approximately 7 hours and 28 minutes. To save on gas costs, it's recommended to drive fuel-efficient cars and avoid idling or accelerating aggressively. Whatever your route, make sure to account for additional expenses such as food, accommodation, and unexpected occurrences that may increase the total cost of the trip.