A Comprehensive Guide on the Cost of a Road Trip between Bloomingdale, Georgia and Cary, North Carolina

Road tripping between Bloomingdale, Georgia, and Cary, North Carolina is an excellent way to explore the beautiful landscape of the East Coast of the United States. As a potential road tripper, you are likely interested in understanding the cost implications of the trip, especially with the prevailing gas prices. This article provides an in-depth guide on the different routes, their costs, and recommendations on the best route to take.

Despite the Different Routes, Gas Prices are Where the Bulk Costs Lie

The cost of a road trip generally depends on various factors, including fuel prices, the distance to be covered, and the driver's car's efficiency. Therefore, the exact trip's cost may vary depending on individual preferences and circumstances.

However, it's essential to note that despite the different routes that can be taken from Bloomingdale, Georgia, to Cary, North Carolina, gas prices remain the biggest cost factor in almost all cases. As of June 2021, the average price of gas in Georgia was around $2.80 per gallon, while North Carolina's average gas price was slightly higher, at $2.90 per gallon.

Moreover, when road tripping, it's crucial to consider not only the starting and endpoint gas prices but also to look out for the average gas prices in different states and areas along the way. It's advisable to refuel in places where gas prices are cheapest. The gas prices may be higher in larger cities, so that it's possible to save some money by stopping over in smaller towns.

The Different Routes Available from Bloomingdale, Georgia to Cary, North Carolina

There are different routes available to travel from Bloomingdale, Georgia to Cary, North Carolina, depending on your interests and time. The quickest route from Bloomingdale to Cary, covering a distance of around 360 miles, involves taking I-95 N from Bloomingdale until it intersects with I-40 W in North Carolina. From there, you take I-40W until you reach Cary, North Carolina.

Another route covers a longer distance of 383 miles and involves taking I-95N to Greenville before driving towards Raleigh, North Carolina. Upon reaching Raleigh, you can then drive to Cary.

A more scenic yet longer route is available, covering around 415 miles, which takes you through the Appalachian Mountains and the Blue Ridge Parkway. This route involves taking I-16 W until it intersects with I-75N towards Atlanta. After reaching Atlanta, you take I-85N towards Greensboro, then take I-40E until you reach Cary.

Cost Implications of the Different Routes

As mentioned earlier, gas prices are a significant factor in determining the cost of a road trip. Therefore, it's crucial to determine the cost implications of the different routes available when planning your trip.

Quickest Route

The quickest route from Bloomingdale to Cary covers a distance of around 360 miles and is likely to take approximately 5 to 6 hours of driving time. When considering gas prices, a car with an average of 25 miles per gallon would require around 14.5 gallons to cover the distance. As mentioned earlier, the average price of gas in Georgia is around $2.80 per gallon, which means that a driver taking this route would spend around $40.6 on gas.

On the other hand, gas prices in North Carolina are slightly higher at $2.90 per gallon. Therefore, one would require around $42.05 on gas between North Carolina starting point to the endpoint of Cary. Overall, the estimated cost of gas for the entire trip is approximately $82.

Greenville Route

The Greenville route involves covering a distance of 383 miles, which is slightly longer than the quickest route. The route is likely to take approximately 6 to 7 hours, depending on traffic and the driver's experience. A car with an average of 25 miles per gallon would require around 15.3 gallons of gas for the entire trip, given the gas prices of $2.80 per gallon in Georgia. This means that drivers taking this route spend around $42.8 on gas for the entire trip.

Likewise, since North Carolina has a slightly higher gas price of $2.90 per gallon, gas prices can increase towards the endpoint. On reaching Cary, North Carolina, a driver would require around $44.27 on gas. Overall, the estimated cost of gas for the entire trip covering this route is approximately $87.

Appalachian Mountains Route

Taking the Appalachian Mountains Route provides a more scenic view of the mountains, and visitors can make several stops to take photos or rest. However, the trip is significantly longer, covering approximately 415 miles and taking around 8 to 9 hours, depending on the time spent at different stops. The route's winding roads may also require more fuel, and the terrain may make the car less fuel-efficient.

A car with an average of 25 miles per gallon would require around 16.6 gallons to cover the distance, given the flat terrain's demands. On average, a driver taking this route would spend around $46. Packaging, which is higher than gas costs in the shortest and Greenville routes.

In North Carolina, drivers may need to budget around $48.5 on gas, given the state's gas prices' prevailing cost to cover the distance to Cary. Overall, the estimated gas cost for the entire trip covering this route is approximately $94.5, the most expensive trip package based on gas costs.

Recommendations: The Best Route to Take

Based on the cost implications of each route and other individual preferences, the quickest route appears to be the most cost-effective option out of the three. Although the Appalachian Mountains route may be more scenic, it is the most expensive and requires a more efficient car.

However, it's essential to note that the Greenville route may be an attractive option if you have additional hours in your schedule, as it provides an alternative landscape and a longer, scenic path without necessarily yielding a massive budgetary difference.

In conclusion

Road tripping from Bloomingdale, Georgia to Cary, North Carolina can be a fun and fulfilling experience, and the cost implications of the trip should not prevent you from making the trip. Understanding the gas prices and the cost implications of the different routes available allows you to make a more informed decision about the trip's financial impact. Overall, the quickest route appears to be the best option due to its affordability, but the Greenville route is still a viable option for those interested in a longer but more scenic journey.