The Cost of a Road Trip from Blacksburg, Virginia to Newport, Rhode Island
If you're planning a road trip from Blacksburg, Virginia to Newport, Rhode Island, you'll need to consider the cost of transportation, lodging, and food. In this article, we'll explore the various routes you can take and highlight the costs associated with each one.
Route Options
There are several route options when traveling from Blacksburg, Virginia to Newport, Rhode Island. The route you choose will depend on your personal preferences and budget. Here are a few popular options:
Route 1: Interstate 81 and Interstate 95
This route will take you north through Virginia and Maryland, before turning east on Interstate 95 in Delaware. From there, you'll continue north to Newport, Rhode Island. This route is the most direct, with a total distance of 683 miles and an estimated travel time of 11 hours and 42 minutes.
Route 2: Current Road
If you prefer to travel a more scenic route, you can take the Current Road which takes you up along the Appalachian Mountains before connecting to Interstate 81. This route is 704 miles long and takes around 12 hours and 16 minutes.
Route 3: Blue Ridge Parkway
Another scenic route would be Blue Ridge Parkway. This route will take you through some of the most beautiful areas of Virginia and North Carolina with the total travel distance would be 691 miles and will take 12 hours and 10 minutes.
Transportation Costs
The cost of your road trip will depend on several factors, including the type of vehicle you're driving, the cost of gas, and any tolls or parking fees you encounter along the way. Here's how much you can expect to pay for transportation on each of the routes listed above:
Route 1: Interstate 81 and Interstate 95
Assuming gas prices in the region where you are driving are around $2.50 per gallon, driving a small car that gets 30 miles per gallon, you should anticipate spending around $90 in gas each way. The tolls may range from $5 to $37 per leg of the trip.
Route 2: Current Road
With this route, the toll expense is basically bypassed. However, the total gas you'll consume driving a small vehicle that gets 30 miles per gallon with gas prices around $2.50 per gallon is around $91 each way.
Route 3: Blue Ridge Parkway
Similar to Route 2, there are no tolls to cross. The estimated total of gas cost would be around $91 each way when traveling with similar specifications with the other options above.
Lodging Costs
When it comes to lodging, you have many options to find accommodations that fit into your budget. You may choose to stay in a chain motel or hotel, or you might prefer locally-owned inns and bed-and-breakfast options.
A good place to start is comparing the costs of each route suggested and finding the different hotels in the areas where you'll be staying. According to current hotel prices in cities within 50 miles of Newport, Rhode Island, travelers can expect to pay anywhere from $60 to $200 per night for lodging, depending on the quality of the hotel.
Assuming you'll stay for two nights in a standard hotel, you can expect to pay a total of $120 to $400 on lodging for the entire trip.
Food and Entertainment Costs
Of course, you'll need to factor in the cost of food and entertainment during your road trip. The amount you spend here will depend on your personal preferences and the activities you choose. Here are some rough estimates for food and entertainment expenses:
- Breakfast: $5 to $20 per person
- Lunch: $10 to $20 per person
- Dinner: $15 to $40 per person
- Gas Station Snacks and Drinks: $10 to $15 per person
- Attractions: $20 to $50 per person
Assuming you eat three meals per day and spend some money on snacks and entertainment, you can expect to spend around $50 to $100 per day on food and entertainment, depending on your choices.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the best route for your road trip depends on your personal preferences and budget. The most direct route is the cheapest with the toll rates based on distance driven. However, if you're looking for a more scenic drive with access to beautiful mountain views, you might consider taking Route 2 or 3.
Overall, travelers should budget around $500 to $1,000 for a four-day road trip from Blacksburg, Virginia to Newport, Rhode Island. This estimate is based on gas prices around $2.50 per gallon and a moderate hotel budget and mid-range meal plans. If you want to save money, you might consider camping or finding lower-cost accommodations.
Regardless of the route you choose, you'll be treated to some of the most spectacular scenery the East Coast has to offer. Take your time and enjoy the journey, and you're sure to have an unforgettable road trip!