The Cost of a Road Trip between Birmingham and Carlisle Based on Current Gas Prices

Going on a road trip can be a thrilling experience, but sometimes travelers can be discouraged by the potential costs. The route between Birmingham and Carlisle offers several possible ways to reach your destination, and the cost of your trip will depend on several factors, with the main one being the gas prices. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the different road options and provide you with a clear idea of what you can expect in terms of cost so that you can plan your trip accordingly.

Different Route Options

There are several ways to get from Birmingham to Carlisle, and some of them can be quite scenic. The fastest route takes you up the M6 motorway, while the longer and more picturesque route will take you through the Peak District National Park. The distance between these two cities is approximately 148.8 miles, and driving time should take about 2 hours and 35 minutes without traffic.

Route via the M6 Motorway

The most direct way to travel between Birmingham and Carlisle is via the M6 motorway, which will take you directly from the south to the north. Starting from Birmingham, you'll follow the M6 north toward Carlisle. The estimated distance between the two cities is 147 miles, and the driving time should take approximately 2 hours and 31 minutes without traffic.

At the time of writing, the current average gas price in the UK is 127.8p per liter, and with approximately 10 liters needed per 100 km, a trip between Birmingham and Carlisle would require between 18 to 24 liters of gas, depending on the vehicle's gas mileage.

Based on these figures, a one-way trip would cost between £23.00 and £30.00. If you're planning a round trip, the cost will be doubled.

Route via the Peak District National Park

For those who prefer a more scenic route, the Peak District National Park can be an excellent choice. Starting from Birmingham, follow the A38 heading north until you reach Derby, then head north onto the A6. Follow the A6 until you reach Buxton before turning north onto the A515. From there, follow the A515 until you reach Brough before turning onto the A685, which will take you directly to Carlisle.

This route is approximately 160 miles long, and the driving time should take approximately 3 hours and 20 minutes without traffic. Since this route is longer, the cost of gas will be higher than the route via the M6 motorway. Using the same calculation as the previous route, the total cost for a one-way trip would be between £28.80 and £38.40.

Taking Note of Tolls and other Expenses

It's worth noting that the M6 motorway is a toll road, and travelers will need to pay to use it. At the time of writing, the toll fee for a standard car is £6.70.

Another expense that travelers should consider is parking fees. Carlisle has several paid parking lots, with prices ranging from £1.00 to £2.00 for the first hour and £0.50 to £1.00 for every additional hour.

Conclusion

When traveling between Birmingham and Carlisle, it's important to consider the different routes available and take into account the gas prices, tolls, and parking fees. The cost of traveling via the M6 motorway is predictable since it's a direct route, while the route via the Peak District National Park offers a scenic experience at a slightly higher cost.

Based on the distance, driving time, and gas prices, the M6 motorway is the most affordable and direct route to take. However, if you have more time and prefer a scenic route, the Peak District National Park is an excellent choice.

Regardless of the route you take, the journey should take approximately 2-3 hours, allowing plenty of time to enjoy the scenery or explore Carlisle's sights. Planning your trip by calculating the cost, selecting the best route, and considering other expenses like tolls and parking fees will allow you to make the most out of your journey and reduce any financial surprises.