The Cost of a Trip between Bismarck, North Dakota and Mebane, North Carolina
Are you planning a trip from Bismarck, North Dakota to Mebane, North Carolina? Whether you are traveling for work or leisure, one of the important factors to consider is the cost of the trip. One of the major expenses in any road trip is the cost of gas. In this article, we will explore the different possible routes between these two cities, highlight the cost and distance of each route, and ultimately recommend the best route based on current gas prices.
Route Options
When it comes to road trips, there is usually more than one route to choose from. Let's explore the various route options between Bismarck and Mebane:
Route 1: The I-94 and I-74 Route
One of the most direct routes to reach Mebane from Bismarck is by taking Interstate 94 (I-94) and then connecting to Interstate 74 (I-74). This route goes through several states including North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio before reaching North Carolina.
Total Distance: Approximately 1,636 miles
Breakdown by State and associated Gas Prices:
- North Dakota: As you start your trip in Bismarck, you can expect to pay around $2.50 per gallon.
- Minnesota: Fuel prices in Minnesota are quite similar to North Dakota, hovering around $2.50 per gallon.
- Wisconsin: In Wisconsin, gas is slightly cheaper than in the previous states, with prices averaging around $2.40 per gallon.
- Illinois: As you enter Illinois, gas prices tend to be slightly higher, usually around $2.60 per gallon.
- Indiana: Fuel prices in Indiana are similar to those in Illinois, with an average of $2.60 per gallon.
- Ohio: Gas prices in Ohio tend to be slightly lower compared to neighboring states, with prices ranging from $2.50 to $2.60 per gallon.
- North Carolina: Gas prices in North Carolina are similar to those in Ohio, ranging from $2.50 to $2.60 per gallon.
To calculate the total cost of gas for this route, we can estimate that the average fuel efficiency of a car is 25 miles per gallon. Therefore, we divide the total distance (1,636 miles) by the average fuel efficiency (25 miles per gallon) to get the total required gallons of gas. Multiplying the total required gallons by the average gas price in each state will give us the approximate cost of gas for that state.
Example Calculation:
| State | Distance (miles) | Fuel Efficiency (miles/gallon) | Required Gallons | Gas Price ($/gallon) | Total Cost ($) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Dakota | 0 | 0 | 0 | $2.50 | $0 |
| Minnesota | 367 | 25 | 14.68 | $2.50 | $36.70 |
| Wisconsin | 180 | 25 | 7.20 | $2.40 | $17.28 |
| Illinois | 332 | 25 | 13.28 | $2.60 | $34.53 |
| Indiana | 170 | 25 | 6.80 | $2.60 | $17.68 |
| Ohio | 220 | 25 | 8.80 | $2.50 | $22.00 |
| North Carolina | 367 | 25 | 14.68 | $2.50 | $36.70 |
| Total | 1636 | 25 | 65.84 | $164.89 |
Based on the calculation above, the total cost of gas for Route 1 is approximately $164.89.
Route 2: The I-29 and I-40 Route
Another possible route is to travel through Interstate 29 (I-29) and then connect to Interstate 40 (I-40). This route takes you through North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, Missouri, Arkansas, Tennessee, and finally North Carolina.
Total Distance: Approximately 1,705 miles
Breakdown by State and associated Gas Prices:
- North Dakota: As mentioned earlier, fuel prices in North Dakota are around $2.50 per gallon.
- South Dakota: Gas prices in South Dakota are generally similar to those in North Dakota, averaging around $2.50 per gallon as well.
- Iowa: Fuel prices in Iowa tend to be slightly lower compared to the previous states, with an average of $2.40 per gallon.
- Missouri: In Missouri, gas prices are similar to those in Iowa, with an average of $2.40 per gallon.
- Arkansas: Gas prices in Arkansas are similar to those in Missouri, ranging from $2.40 to $2.50 per gallon.
- Tennessee: Fuel prices in Tennessee are similar to those in Arkansas, with an average of $2.50 per gallon.
- North Carolina: As mentioned previously, gas prices in North Carolina range from $2.50 to $2.60 per gallon.
Following the same calculation method as before, we can estimate the cost of gas for each state and calculate the total cost of gas for Route 2.
Example Calculation:
| State | Distance (miles) | Fuel Efficiency (miles/gallon) | Required Gallons | Gas Price ($/gallon) | Total Cost ($) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Dakota | 0 | 0 | 0 | $2.50 | $0 |
| South Dakota | 239 | 25 | 9.56 | $2.50 | $23.90 |
| Iowa | 281 | 25 | 11.24 | $2.40 | $26.98 |
| Missouri | 239 | 25 | 9.56 | $2.40 | $22.94 |
| Arkansas | 357 | 25 | 14.28 | $2.50 | $35.70 |
| Tennessee | 538 | 25 | 21.52 | $2.50 | $53.80 |
| North Carolina | 51 | 25 | 2.04 | $2.50 | $5.10 |
| Total | 1705 | 25 | 68.20 | $168.42 |
Based on the calculation above, the total cost of gas for Route 2 is approximately $168.42.
Recommended Route: Route 1
After considering the distance and cost of gas for both routes, it is recommended to take Route 1, the I-94 and I-74 route. Not only is this route slightly shorter than Route 2 (by about 69 miles), but it also has a slightly lower estimated cost for gas ($164.89 compared to $168.42 for Route 2).
Additionally, Route 1 takes you through several beautiful states such as Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Illinois, providing an opportunity to enjoy the diverse landscapes along the way. Remember to plan for stops and attractions to make your trip even more memorable.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the trip from Bismarck, North Dakota to Mebane, North Carolina can be both exciting and cost-effective when considering the route and the cost of gas. Route 1, which includes traveling through I-94 and I-74, proves to be the best option, with a total distance of approximately 1,636 miles and an estimated cost of gas around $164.89. This journey may take several days depending on your driving preferences and how many stops you plan to make along the way. Enjoy the trip, stay safe, and make lasting memories as you explore the beautiful landscapes of the United States.