The Cost of a Trip Between Birmingham, Alabama and Tampa, Florida in 2021: Gas Prices and Route Options

Are you planning a road trip from Birmingham, Alabama to Tampa, Florida? As you prepare for your journey, one of the most significant considerations is the cost of gas and the best route to take. With varying gas prices and budget constraints, finding the most cost-effective route can make your trip more affordable.

In this article, we explore the various route options between Birmingham and Tampa, their distances, current gas prices, and the overall cost of the trip. By the end, you will have a comprehensive understanding of how to save on your road trip between the two cities.

Route Options Between Birmingham and Tampa

When planning a trip between Birmingham and Tampa, you have several routes to consider. Each route has a different distance and requires varying amounts of fuel. The following are the most common routes:

Option 1: via I-65 S and I-10 E

The first and most direct route to travel between Birmingham and Tampa is via I-65 S and I-10 E. This option covers a distance of approximately 565 miles and takes approximately 9 hours and 20 minutes by car.

Option 2: via I-85 S and I-75 S

The second option is through I-85 S and I-75 S. This route covers a distance of approximately 620 miles and takes approximately 10 hours and 25 minutes by car. This route is an excellent option if you don't mind adding a few more minutes to your drive but want a more scenic route.

Option 3: via I-20 E and I-95 S

The third option from Birmingham to Tampa is via I-20 E and I-95 S. This route covers a distance of approximately 787 miles and takes approximately 12 hours and 20 minutes by car. This option is the longest and the least preferred route but can be a good option if you want to explore more cities along the way.

Current Gas Prices

Another significant consideration when planning your trip is the current gas prices. The prices can vary depending on the state, gas station, and time of year. As of this writing, the average gas prices in Alabama and Florida are $2.63 and $2.75, respectively.

It is crucial to keep up with changing gas prices to help you budget for the trip better. You can use apps like GasBuddy or AAA Gas Prices to find the cheapest gas stations along your route and real-time gas prices.

Cost of the Trip

Now, let's calculate the cost of traveling between Birmingham and Tampa based on current gas prices and the route options discussed above. We will assume that your vehicle's fuel economy is 25 miles per gallon and that the gas tank has a capacity of 15 gallons.

Option 1: via I-65 S and I-10 E

The total distance of this route is 565 miles, which means you will need 22.6 gallons of gas for the entire trip. If we multiply 22.6 by the current gas price of $2.63, the cost of gas for this route is approximately $59.52.

Option 2: via I-85 S and I-75 S

The total distance of this route is 620 miles, which means you will need 24.8 gallons of gas for the entire trip. If we multiply 24.8 by the current gas price of $2.63, the cost of gas for this route is approximately $65.14.

Option 3: via I-20 E and I-95 S

The total distance of this route is 787 miles, which means you will need 31.48 gallons of gas for the entire trip. If we multiply 31.48 by the current gas price of $2.63, the cost of gas for this route is approximately $82.82.

From the calculations above, it is clear that Option 1 is the most cost-effective route to take between Birmingham and Tampa.

Conclusion

In summation, the cost of traveling from Birmingham, Alabama to Tampa, Florida, is primarily determined by the distance and current gas prices. There are various route options to consider, including via I-65 S and I-10 E, via I-85 S and I-75 S, and via I-20 E and I-95 S. However, option 1 is the most cost-effective route and takes approximately 9 hours and 20 minutes by car.

Before you hit the road, make sure to plan your trip ahead and consider gas prices to make the most of your budget. Safe travels!