The Cost of a Road Trip from Big Stone Gap, VA to Lillington, NC

With gas prices fluctuating constantly, it's essential to have an idea of the cost of a road trip from Big Stone Gap, Virginia, to Lillington, North Carolina. This article will break down the different possible routes and their respective distances and costs. By the end of this article, you will have a good idea of the most cost-efficient route and the average cost of the trip.

Route 1: Via I-81 S and I-77 S

The first possible route is taking I-81 S from Big Stone Gap to Charlotte, then switching to I-77 S, which will lead you to Lillington. This route has a total distance of 395 miles, and the estimated travel time is around 6 hours and 20 minutes.

According to AAA's Gas Prices, Virginia's average gas price is $2.66, and North Carolina's is $2.59 at the time of writing this article. Based on these prices and the distance of the route, the estimated cost of gas for this trip is around $63.68.

Route 2: Via I-40 E

The second possible route is to take I-77 N from Big Stone Gap to I-40 E to Lillington. This route has a total distance of 480 miles, and the estimated travel time is around 7 hours and 38 minutes.

Using the same gas prices mentioned before, the estimated cost of gas for this trip is about $81.06.

Route 3: Via US-501 S

The third possible route is taking US-501 S from Big Stone Gap to Lillington directly. This route has a total distance of 347 miles, and the estimated travel time is around 6 hours.

The estimated cost of gas for this trip is approximately $52.48, using the same gas prices mentioned before.

Recommended Route

Based on the distance and cost of gas, the recommended route would be Route 3, which takes US-501 S directly from Big Stone Gap to Lillington. This route is the shortest, has the smallest number of required highway changes, and has the lowest estimated cost of gas.

Other Factors to Consider

Besides gas prices, there are some other factors to consider before embarking on a road trip, such as toll fees, food expenses, and accommodations. The estimated cost of toll fees for this trip is $12.45 if taking Route 1, while there are no tolls for the other two routes. Food costs and overnight accommodations depend on personal preferences and budgets, but it's worth the investment to plan ahead and not overspend during the trip.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the cost of a road trip from Big Stone Gap, Virginia, to Lillington, North Carolina, ranges from $52.48 to $81.06, depending on the route taken. Based on the distance and cost of gas, the recommended route is taking US-501 S directly from Big Stone Gap to Lillington, with an estimated cost of $52.48 for gas. Remember to take into account other expenses, such as toll fees, food, and accommodations when planning a road trip to ensure a smooth and budget-friendly journey.