Driving Cost from Bluffton, Indiana to Cape Coral, Florida

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Road Trip Cost Calculator: Bluffton, Indiana to Cape Coral, Florida

Are you planning a road trip from Bluffton, Indiana to Cape Coral, Florida? There are several travel options available to you, each with varying costs and distances. In this article, we’ll explore the different routes one can take for the journey from Bluffton to Cape Coral and discuss the costs involved.

Route options

Before we dive into the cost of a road trip from Bluffton to Cape Coral, let’s take a look at the different routes you could take. There are typically three main routes to consider: Interstate 65 South, Interstate 75 South, and US Route 27 South.

I-65 South

This route is the shortest but requires you to travel through Kentucky and Tennessee. You will pass by cities such as Louisville and Nashville, but this route may result in more toll fees. The total distance of this route is approximately 882 miles and it takes roughly 14 hours to complete.

I-75 South

The next option is I-75 South, which takes you straight to Florida through Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Georgia. While it’s a little longer than I-65 South, you won’t have to deal with as many tolls. This route is approximately 1,043 miles long and takes roughly 16 hours to complete.

US-27 South

Lastly, US-27 South is the most relaxed and scenic route, as it takes you through small towns, rural areas, and national parks. It may take a little longer to complete, but the journey is worth it if you’re up for some sightseeing. This route is approximately 1,168 miles long and takes around 18 hours to complete. However, this route is prone to traffic and can be slower because of stops.

Expenses

Now that we know the three routes available let's talk about the expenses involved. The cost of a trip such as this one can range based on several variables. Some of the essential ones are gas prices, car type, the season you travel in, food, accommodation, and toll fees. Let’s break these down.

Fuel

Fuel prices vary from state to state. As of 2021, the average gas price in Indiana is $2.88 per gallon, while in Florida, it's approximately $2.67 per gallon. Suppose you drive a car that can travel 20 miles per gallon and has a fuel tank capacity of 15 gallons. In that case, it would cost you around $60 in Indiana to fill up and another $54 in Florida, considering you’d have to fill up twice.

Tolls

Tolls are an inevitable part of traveling, and you will encounter several on all three routes to Cape Coral. It is best to research the toll routes and costs before embarking on the journey. For instance, Interstate 65 South has several tolls, and in the Chicago Skyway alone, it costs $5 per vehicle.

Accommodation

If you plan to make a stop along the way, accommodation is another expense you will incur. The average hotel room in the United States costs around $130 in a mid-range hotel. The total cost will depend on the number of nights, the hotel rates, and other accommodations.

Food

Food expenses vary based on where you eat and what you eat. Suppose you plan to dine out for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, it would cost you at least $50 per day.

Car maintenance

Before embarking on a long journey, it’s imperative to make sure your car is well-maintained. A professional check-up of your vehicle will ensure it’s in good shape and reduce the risk of breakdowns. The average cost of a car inspection in the United States is around $100.

After considering all the factors involved in this travel decision, we recommend taking Interstate 75 South from Bluffton to Cape Coral. It is longer than I-65 South but cheaper as it doesn't have many toll roads. It's also more direct than US-27 South and allows you to reach Cape Coral within the shortest time possible.

Cost breakdown

  • Fuel: $114
  • Tolls: $40
  • Accommodation: $130
  • Food: $100
  • Car maintenance: $100
  • Total cost: $484

Conclusion

Traveling from Bluffton, Indiana, to Cape Coral, Florida, is an adventure worth taking. With several routes to choose from and varying costs, it’s essential to plan your trip ahead. Based on our analysis, we recommend taking Interstate 75 South, which is approximately 1,043 miles long and takes around 16 hours to complete. This route costs $484 and includes fuel, tolls, accommodation, food, and car maintenance fees. So, pack up your car, make a playlist, and hit the road!