The Cost of a Trip between Blackfoot, Idaho and Hillsborough, North Carolina

Introduction

As the price of gas continues to fluctuate, it becomes increasingly important to consider the cost of road trips when planning our travels. For those embarking on a journey from Blackfoot, Idaho to Hillsborough, North Carolina, it's essential to assess the various routes available and their associated costs. By breaking down the distance, gas prices, and alternative routes, we can determine the most affordable and efficient way to reach our destination.

Route Options and Associated Costs

Route 1: I-90 E and I-80 E

Distance: 2,111 miles
Starting from Blackfoot, Idaho, the journey begins by taking Interstate 15 South to connect with I-90 East near Pocatello.
Follow I-90 East for approximately 1,747 miles until reaching Chicago, Illinois.
From there, merge onto I-80 East and continue for another 364 miles until reaching Hillsborough, North Carolina.

Gas Prices and Costs

According to the AAA Gas Price website, the average cost of gas varies by state and region.
For this particular route, we will consider the average gas prices in Idaho, Wyoming, South Dakota, Minnesota, and Illinois as we make our way to North Carolina.
- Idaho: $3.50 per gallon
- Wyoming: $3.40 per gallon
- South Dakota: $3.30 per gallon
- Minnesota: $3.40 per gallon
- Illinois: $3.60 per gallon -Note: Gas prices are subject to change and should be verified closer to the time of travel.

To estimate the cost, we need to determine the number of gallons required for each segment of the journey, multiply by the respective gas prices, and sum the total.

Blackfoot, Idaho, to Chicago:
- 1,747 miles / 25 miles per gallon (average car fuel efficiency) = 69.88 gallons
- 69.88 gallons * $3.50 per gallon (Idaho gas price) = $244.58
Chicago, Illinois, to Hillsborough, North Carolina:
- 364 miles / 25 miles per gallon (average car fuel efficiency) = 14.56 gallons
- 14.56 gallons * $3.60 per gallon (Illinois gas price) = $52.42

Total Cost for Route 1

$244.58 + $52.42 = $297.00 (approximately)

Route 2: I-90 E and I-77 S

Distance: 2,135 miles
Starting from Blackfoot, Idaho, drive south on Interstate 15 to connect with I-90 East near Pocatello.
Continue on I-90 East for approximately 1,747 miles until reaching Chicago, Illinois.
From Chicago, merge onto I-80 East, and after approximately 11 miles, take exit 157A to merge onto I-57 South.
Follow I-57 South for about 160 miles and then merge onto I-24 East. Continue on I-24 East for approximately 155 miles.
Merge onto I-75 South and continue for approximately 400 miles until you reach Knoxville, Tennessee.
In Knoxville, merge onto I-40 East and continue for about 170 miles.
From here, take exit 273B to merge onto I-75 South. Continue on I-75 South for about 49 miles until you reach the entrance for I-77 South.
Merge onto I-77 South and continue for approximately 320 miles until reaching Hillsborough, North Carolina.

Gas Prices and Costs

Considering the average gas prices in Idaho, Wyoming, South Dakota, Minnesota, Illinois, Tennessee, and North Carolina:
- Idaho: $3.50 per gallon
- Wyoming: $3.40 per gallon
- South Dakota: $3.30 per gallon
- Minnesota: $3.40 per gallon
- Illinois: $3.60 per gallon
- Tennessee: $3.20 per gallon
- North Carolina: $3.30 per gallon

Again, to estimate the cost, we need to determine the number of gallons required for each segment, multiply by the respective gas prices, and sum the total.

Blackfoot, Idaho, to Chicago:
- 1,747 miles / 25 miles per gallon (average car fuel efficiency) = 69.88 gallons
- 69.88 gallons * $3.50 per gallon (Idaho gas price) = $244.58
Chicago, Illinois, to Hillsborough, North Carolina:
- 388 miles / 25 miles per gallon (average car fuel efficiency) = 15.52 gallons
- 15.52 gallons * $3.30 per gallon (North Carolina gas price) = $51.22

Total Cost for Route 2

$244.58 + $51.22 = $295.80 (approximately)

Route 3: I-15 S and I-40 E

Distance: 2,233 miles
Starting from Blackfoot, Idaho, drive south on Interstate 15.
Continue on I-15 South for approximately 1,633 miles until reaching Barstow, California.
In Barstow, merge onto I-40 East.
Continue on I-40 East for about 600 miles until reaching Hillsborough, North Carolina.

Gas Prices and Costs

Considering the average gas prices in Idaho, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Arkansas, Tennessee, and North Carolina:
- Idaho: $3.50 per gallon
- Utah: $3.40 per gallon
- Arizona: $3.30 per gallon
- New Mexico: $3.40 per gallon
- Texas: $3.20 per gallon
- Arkansas: $3.30 per gallon
- Tennessee: $3.20 per gallon
- North Carolina: $3.30 per gallon

To estimate the cost, we need to determine the number of gallons required for each segment, multiply by the respective gas prices, and sum the total.

Blackfoot, Idaho, to Barstow, California:
- 1,633 miles / 25 miles per gallon (average car fuel efficiency) = 65.32 gallons
- 65.32 gallons * $3.50 per gallon (Idaho gas price) = $229.62
Barstow, California, to Hillsborough, North Carolina:
- 600 miles / 25 miles per gallon (average car fuel efficiency) = 24 gallons
- 24 gallons * $3.30 per gallon (North Carolina gas price) = $79.20

Total Cost for Route 3

$229.62 + $79.20 = $308.82 (approximately)

Recommendation

Taking all the routes into account, the most cost-effective option for traveling between Blackfoot, Idaho and Hillsborough, North Carolina is Route 2: I-90 E and I-77 S with a total cost of approximately $295.80. This route covers a distance of 2,135 miles, and the estimated fuel consumption based on an average car efficiency of 25 miles per gallon.

Conclusion

While the cost of gas may vary across states and regions, it is essential to consider the distance and fuel efficiency of our vehicles when planning a road trip. For the journey from Blackfoot, Idaho to Hillsborough, North Carolina, Route 2 (I-90 E and I-77 S) offers the most cost-effective option, with an approximate total cost of $295.80. This route covers a distance of 2,135 miles and provides a balance between time spent on the road and expenses incurred. Safe travels!