The Cost of a Road Trip from Blacksburg, Virginia to Monroe, North Carolina
With summer just around the corner, many people are already planning their road trips to different parts of the country. Along with the scenic routes, spontaneous detours, and adventures that come with road trips, budgeting is also an important factor that needs to be considered. Especially since the current gas prices can fluctuate and add to the overall cost of the trip. Here, we will discuss the cost of a road trip between Blacksburg, Virginia and Monroe, North Carolina. We will also explore the different routes available and recommend the most cost-effective one.
Route Options
There are several route options when driving from Blacksburg, Virginia to Monroe, North Carolina. The most common routes used include:
Route 1: Interstate 81 to Interstate 77
This route is approximately 259 miles and will take approximately four hours to drive without stops. From Blacksburg, Virginia, take Interstate 81 South to Wytheville, then take exit 73 for Interstate 77 South towards Charlotte. Continue on Interstate 77 South until reaching the exit for US-21 South, which leads to Monroe, North Carolina.
Route 2: Interstate 40
This route is approximately 277 miles and will take approximately four and a half hours to drive without stops. From Blacksburg, Virginia, take Interstate 81 South to Roanoke, then take exit 143 for Interstate 581 South towards Greensboro. This will lead to Interstate 40 East in Winston-Salem, which you will take all the way to Monroe, North Carolina.
Route 3: US Route 220
This route is approximately 227 miles and will take approximately four hours to drive without stops. From Blacksburg, Virginia, take US Route 460 East to Roanoke, then take exit 146 for US Route 220 South towards Greensboro. Continue on US Route 220 South until reaching Interstate 73, which will lead to US Route 74 East, and ultimately to Monroe, North Carolina.
Gas Prices
Before determining the cost of each route, it's important to take a look at the current gas prices. As of May 2021, the average gas price in Virginia is approximately $2.77 per gallon, while the average gas price in North Carolina is approximately $2.65 per gallon. It's important to note that gas prices can vary depending on the location of the gas station. However, for this article's purposes, we will use these averages.
Cost of the Routes
Based on the distance between Blacksburg, Virginia and Monroe, North Carolina, along with the average gas prices, here are the estimated costs for each route:
Route 1: Interstate 81 to Interstate 77
- Distance: 259 miles
- Gallons of gas needed (round trip): 20.3 gallons
- Estimated total cost (round trip): $107
Route 2: Interstate 40
- Distance: 277 miles
- Gallons of gas needed (round trip): 21.6 gallons
- Estimated total cost (round trip): $115
Route 3: US Route 220
- Distance: 227 miles
- Gallons of gas needed (round trip): 17.8 gallons
- Estimated total cost (round trip): $94
Based on the estimated costs, it's clear that Route 3 via US Route 220 is the most affordable option. Not only is it the shortest route in terms of distance, but it also requires the least amount of gas. However, the interstate routes may have better road conditions and less traffic than US Route 220, which should also be considered when deciding which route to take.
Conclusion
When planning a road trip from Blacksburg, Virginia to Monroe, North Carolina, taking Route 3 via US Route 220 may be the most cost-effective option at $94 for the round trip. However, it's important to consider the condition of the roads and traffic conditions when making the final decision. Regardless of which route is taken, taking the time to calculate the expected cost of the trip can help travelers budget their funds and enjoy their adventure without breaking the bank. The trip should take approximately four hours without stops, accounting for different traffic scenarios.