The Cost of a Bloomington, Indiana to Charleston, South Carolina Road Trip

Are you planning a road trip from Bloomington, Indiana to Charleston, South Carolina? One of the first things you'll need to consider is the cost of the trip. Gas prices can vary depending on location and time of year, so it's important to do some research before hitting the road. In this article, we'll break down the cost of the trip based on current gas prices, explore the different possible routes, and recommend the best route.

Gas Prices and Car Requirements

According to GasBuddy, as of September 2021, the average gas price in Indiana is $2.97 per gallon, while the average gas price in South Carolina is $2.89 per gallon. However, gas prices can vary depending on location and time of year, so it's always a good idea to check and compare prices before you hit the road.

Another important factor to consider is your car's fuel efficiency. The distance between Bloomington, Indiana and Charleston, South Carolina is about 658 miles, so you'll need to calculate the total amount of gas needed for the trip. If your car gets 30 miles per gallon, you'll need approximately 22 gallons of gas for the trip. However, if your car gets only 20 miles per gallon, you'll need around 33 gallons of gas. This can significantly affect the total cost of the trip.

Possible Routes and Costs

There are several possible routes you can take to get from Bloomington, Indiana to Charleston, South Carolina. Here are three of the most common routes, along with the total distance and estimated gas cost based on a car's fuel efficiency of 30 miles per gallon.

Route 1: Via I-65 and I-40

Total Distance: 710 miles Estimated Gas Cost: $66

This is one of the most direct routes, taking you through Indianapolis, Nashville, and Knoxville. However, it's also the longest route, adding an additional 52 miles to your trip. The estimated fuel cost for this route is $66, based on 710 miles total and a gas price of $2.97 per gallon in Indiana.

Route 2: Via I-70 and I-77

Total Distance: 655 miles Estimated Gas Cost: $61

This route takes you through Columbus, Pittsburgh, and Charlotte. It's slightly shorter than Route 1, but it involves some hilly terrain and winding roads in West Virginia. The estimated fuel cost for this route is $61, based on 655 miles total and a gas price of $2.97 per gallon in Indiana.

Route 3: Via I-65, I-24, and I-75

Total Distance: 680 miles Estimated Gas Cost: $63

This route takes you through Louisville, Nashville, Chattanooga, and Atlanta. While it's slightly longer than Route 2, it's a more scenic drive without the hilly terrain of West Virginia. The estimated fuel cost for this route is $63, based on 680 miles total and a gas price of $2.97 per gallon in Indiana.

Best Route

While all three routes offer advantages, the best route depends on your preferences and priorities. If you're looking for the most direct route and don't mind the longest distance, Route 1 may be the best choice for you. If you're more interested in scenic drives and don't mind some hilly terrain, Route 2 might be your preferred choice. Finally, if you want to avoid any potential hilly terrain and want to experience more cities, Route 3 may appeal to you.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the cost of the Bloomington, Indiana to Charleston, South Carolina road trip depends on gas prices and car fuel efficiency. We explored three possible routes and estimated the gas costs for each. You'll need approximately $61 to $66 worth of gas based on your car's fuel efficiency - a cost that can significantly impact your trip budget. After considering the distance and estimated gas costs of each route, you can make the best choice according to your preferences. And remember, always check gas prices before hitting the road!