The Cost of a Road Trip from Blowing Rock, NC to Fort Lauderdale, FL: A Guide to Gas Prices

Planning a road trip from Blowing Rock, North Carolina to Fort Lauderdale, Florida can be both exciting and challenging. It’s important to consider the distance, time, and most importantly, the cost. With gas prices varying widely, it can be tough to calculate the overall expense of a journey. This article provides a guide to help you map out your route, choose the best option, and estimate the cost of the trip based on current gas prices.

Possible Routes

There are different possible routes you can take to travel from Blowing Rock, NC, to Fort Lauderdale, FL. Each route has its own distance and cost. Here are three major routes to consider.

Route 1: I-85 S and I-95 S

The I-85 S and I-95 S route is the shortest route, spanning about 700 miles in distance. From Blowing Rock, you’ll take I-85 S to join I-95 S in Richmond, Virginia. You’ll continue moving south on I-95 S passing through a number of cities such as Fayetteville, South Carolina, and Savannah, Georgia before reaching Fort Lauderdale in Florida.

Route 2: NC-88 E and I-77 S

Alternatively, you can take the NC-88 E and I-77 S route covering approximately 850 miles. Start your trip by driving east on NC-88 before connecting to I-77 S in Elkin, North Carolina, and continuing to Fort Lauderdale via I-77 S.

Route 3: I-40 E and I-95 S

If you prefer a scenic route with less interstate driving, consider the I-40 E and I-95 S route. It’s the longest route spanning approximately 1,000 miles but offers picturesque views and enjoyable stopovers. Start on I-40 E in Asheville, North Carolina, before connecting to I-95 S toward Fort Lauderdale.

Gas Prices

Gas prices are a significant factor to consider on your road trip from Blowing Rock to Fort Lauderdale. As of August 2021, the national average price for a gallon of regular gasoline in the United States is $3.13, which varies differently in states. Rates may fluctuate depending on the place, but of course, it’s essential to budget for gas no matter where you’re going.

Estimated Cost

Estimating the cost of a road trip can be challenging due to gas prices being subject to change daily. Based on 2021 fuel prices as a reference, let's calculate the cost of each route.

Route 1: I-85 S and I-95 S

The I-85 S and I-95 S route is approximately 700 miles with an average fuel economy of 25 miles per gallon (mpg) on the highway. You'll need about 28 gallons of gas to complete the trip. With the current average gas price of $3.13 per gallon, the estimated cost will be around $87.64.

Route 2: NC-88 E and I-77 S

The NC-88 E and I-77 S route is roughly 850 miles with an average fuel economy of 25 mpg. You will need about 36 gallons of gasoline to complete your journey. At $3.13 per gallon, your anticipated expense is approximately $112.68.

Route 3: I-40 E and I-95 S

The I-40 E and I-95 S route is the longest route but the most scenic one covering approximately 1,000 miles. With an average fuel economy of 25 mpg, fuel consumption will be around 40 gallons. With the current average gas price of $3.13 per gallon, the anticipated cost will be approximately $125.20.

Choosing the Best Route

Choosing the best route depends on the time and budget considerations. If you want to reach your destination quickly and not spend too much, the I-85 S and I-95 S route may be the best option. If you want to enjoy a more scenic route and a few more stopovers along the way and don’t mind spending a bit extra, then the I-40 E and I-95 S route may be best.

Looking for a balanced option that doesn't compromise too much on time or budget? The NC-88 E and I-77 S route might be a better option.

Ultimately, your planned route depends on your personal preferences, fuel consumption, and budget.

Conclusion

Planning a road trip from Blowing Rock, NC, to Fort Lauderdale, FL, requires some consideration for fuel and time expenditures. In this article, we talked about three possible routes, gas prices, and estimated costs with each route. Although the cost of gas varies, you can have an estimated plan in mind for your road trip. We hope this guide assists you in deciding on the best route and calculating costs for your road trip. Safe travels!