The Cost of a Trip between Bluffton, SC and Holly Springs, NC

If you're planning a road trip between Bluffton, South Carolina, and Holly Springs, North Carolina, you might be wondering about the cost of the trip. With gas prices constantly fluctuating, it's essential to understand how much you can expect to spend on fuel and other travel expenses. In this article, we'll break down the different possible routes and highlight the cost and distance of each one. We'll also recommend the best route based on your needs.

Possible Routes

There are a few different routes you can take to get from Bluffton, SC, to Holly Springs, NC, each with its own pros and cons. Let's take a look at the three most commonly used routes, starting with the shortest distance:

Route 1: I-95 N and I-40 W (378 miles)

This is the most direct route between Bluffton and Holly Springs, taking you up I-95 through Florence, then west onto I-40 through Raleigh and into Holly Springs. The total distance is approximately 378 miles, and the journey should take around 6 hours, depending on traffic conditions.

Route 2: US-17 N and I-40 W (422 miles)

This route takes you up US-17 through Wilmington before joining I-40 westbound in Raleigh. It's a slightly longer route than route 1, adding around 44 miles to the journey. However, it may be a better choice if you want to avoid the busy I-95 corridor. The journey should take around 7 hours, depending on traffic conditions.

Route 3: I-77 N and I-40 E (522 miles)

This route takes you north on I-77 from Columbia before joining I-40 eastbound in Statesville. It's the longest route, adding approximately 144 miles to the journey compared to route 1. However, it may be a better choice if you want to avoid the busy I-95 corridor and potentially save money on gas. The journey should take around 8 hours, depending on traffic conditions.

Travel Expenses

Now that we've looked at the different possible routes, let's consider the cost of the trip. Here are some common travel expenses to consider:

Gas

Gas prices can make a big difference in the overall cost of your trip. According to AAA's Fuel Gauge Report, the average price of regular gas in South Carolina as of August 2021 was $2.80 per gallon, while in North Carolina, it was $2.88 per gallon. Let's assume your vehicle gets 25 miles per gallon and you'll need around 15 gallons of gas to complete the trip. Based on these figures, you'll spend around $42 on gas.

Tolls

Depending on your route, you may encounter toll roads. For the most direct route (route 1), you won't encounter any tolls. However, if you take route 3, you'll need to pay a toll on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, which costs $14.00 for passenger cars. Be sure to factor any tolls into your budget.

Food and Lodging

If you're planning an overnight trip, you'll need to budget for food and lodging expenses. These can vary based on your preferences and needs. For example, if you plan to stay in a hotel, you should budget around $100-$150 per night, depending on the hotel's location and amenities. For food, budget around $50 per day, per person.

Other Travel Expenses

Other expenses to consider include car maintenance (such as oil changes, tire rotations, and other routine maintenance), parking fees, and any attraction fees (if you plan to visit any tourist spots along the way).

Recommended Route

Based on the above factors, we recommend taking Route 1 - I-95 N and I-40 W. This route is the most direct and avoids any tolls. Additionally, it should have the shortest overall travel time. However, if you prefer a more scenic drive or want to avoid traffic on I-95, either route 2 or 3 may be a better option for you.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the cost of a trip between Bluffton, South Carolina, and Holly Springs, North Carolina, varies based on several factors such as fuel costs, tolls, food and lodging expenses, and other travel costs. Based on these factors, the total cost of the trip should be around $160-$300, depending on your preferences. We recommend taking Route 1 - I-95 N and I-40 W for the most direct and time-efficient route. With careful planning and budgeting, your trip should be a success, and you'll spend less time worrying about finances and more time enjoying the journey.