The Cost of a Road Trip Between Blacksburg, Virginia and Mobile, Alabama in the Age of High Gas Prices

As gas prices continue to rise, the cost of driving across the country becomes a more pressing concern for American travelers. Taking a closer look at the distance and travel routes between Blacksburg, Virginia and Mobile, Alabama, we can begin to understand the costs and benefits of each. This article will discuss the different possible routes, the cost and distance of each one, and ultimately recommend the best route for a cost-effective and enjoyable road trip.

Route One: I-81 S, I-40 W, I-65 S

One possible route from Blacksburg to Mobile is to travel down I-81 South, merge onto I-40 West in Knoxville, Tennessee, and then take that until it meets I-65 South, which goes directly to Mobile. According to Google Maps, this route is 982.4 miles and takes approximately 15 hours and 20 minutes, assuming traffic is light.

To determine the approximate cost of this trip, we can use AAA's gas price calculator, which factors in the make and model of your car, and the current average gas prices for each state. Assuming an average car (25 MPG) and a gas price of $3.30 per gallon, we can calculate that this route would cost about $165.48 in gas alone. Of course, this cost will depend on the specific vehicle and gas prices at the time of travel.

Route Two: I-77 S, I-26 W, I-65 S

Another possible route from Blacksburg to Mobile is to travel down I-77 South, merge onto I-26 West in South Carolina, and then take that until it meets I-65 South. This route is 978.8 miles and takes approximately 15 hours and 3 minutes, assuming traffic is light.

Using the same approach in calculating the cost, the estimated amount for gas consumption for an average car with 25 MPG and with the current gas price of $3.30 per gallon would be about $164.69.

Route Three: I-20 W, I-65 S

A third and final option is to take I-20 West until it intersects with I-65 South. This is the shortest and quickest route, measuring just 776.7 miles and taking approximately 11 hours and 55 minutes, again assuming traffic is light.

However, despite being the shortest route, it may not be the most economic. The gas cost for this route would be about $129.15, considering an average car of 25 MPG and the current gas price of $3.30 per gallon.

Best Route

Although the shortest route, I-20 W, might seem the best option, considering the cost of gas and the specific vehicle being used, it may not be the best choice. Route One, with I-81 S, I-40 W, and I-65 S, is likely to be more economical, despite being around 200 miles more than I-20 W. However, the choice of the route depends on the driver's comfort level and time constraints.

Conclusion

Based on the calculations of the three routes between Blacksburg and Mobile, a road tripper can expect to spend somewhere between $130 and $166 in gas alone, depending on the route and the specific vehicle being used. Of the three possible routes, the most cost-effective option in this analysis is the scenic I-81, I-40, and I-65. By taking into account factors such as distance, time, and cost, travelers can better prepare for and enjoy their road trips, without worrying about rising gas prices. A trip such as this can be a great way to see the country and enjoy the sights and sounds of the open road.