The Cost of a Road Trip from Bluffton, South Carolina to Sioux Falls, South Dakota
If you're planning on driving from Bluffton, South Carolina to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, you're in for quite a road trip. Covering a distance of roughly 1,300 miles, this journey will take you through some truly beautiful parts of the United States, but it's important to consider the costs of gas and other expenses along the way.
The Three Possible Routes
There are three main routes you can take between Bluffton and Sioux Falls, each with its own advantages and potential drawbacks.
Route 1: Through Asheville and Cincinnati
The first option is to head west on Interstate 26 towards Asheville, then continue northwest on I-75 towards Knoxville and Cincinnati. From there, you'll take I-74 west to Indianapolis before getting on I-80 and heading west through Des Moines and Omaha towards Sioux Falls.
This is the longest of the three routes, clocking in at around 1,550 miles. However, it does offer some stunning views of the Appalachian Mountains and the Great Plains.
Route 2: Through Atlanta and St. Louis
The second option is to take I-95 north towards Savannah, then continue northwest on I-75 towards Atlanta. From there, you'll take I-24 west towards Nashville and St. Louis before getting on I-29 north towards Sioux Falls.
This route covers around 1,480 miles and allows you to see some of the major cities of the southeastern and midwestern United States.
Route 3: Through Charlotte and Indianapolis
The final option is to head west on US-278 towards Augusta, then take I-20 towards Atlanta. From there, you'll continue north on I-75 towards Knoxville before getting on I-64 west towards Louisville and Indianapolis. Finally, you'll take I-65 north towards Chicago before heading back south on I-90 towards Sioux Falls.
This is the shortest of the three routes, covering around 1,400 miles. It also takes you through some beautiful parts of the US, including the Great Smoky Mountains and the Indiana Dunes.
The Cost of Gas Along Each Route
Of course, the most significant expense for this road trip will be gas. As of August 2021, the average price of gas in South Carolina is around $2.81 per gallon, while in South Dakota, it's about $3.07 per gallon. Using these values as a rough estimate, we can calculate the cost of gas for each of the three possible routes.
Route 1: Through Asheville and Cincinnati
Assuming an average mileage of 25 miles per gallon for your vehicle, you'll need around 62 gallons of gas to complete this route. At an average cost of $2.81 per gallon, that comes out to around $174 in gas expenses.
Route 2: Through Atlanta and St. Louis
This route will require roughly the same amount of gas as Route 1, based on the same assumptions about mileage. This means you can expect to spend around $174 on gas, assuming an average cost of $2.81 per gallon.
Route 3: Through Charlotte and Indianapolis
Thanks to its shorter distance, this route will require slightly less gas than the first two options. Based on the same assumptions about mileage, you should need around 56 gallons of gas to complete this route, costing around $158. At $3.07 per gallon in South Dakota, the final leg of the journey will cost an additional $18 in gas.
Other Costs to Consider
While gas will be your most significant expense, there are a few other costs to keep in mind as well. For example:
Lodging: Depending on the route you choose and how long you plan to take to travel, you may need to stop overnight. Be sure to factor in the cost of lodging during your trip; prices will vary depending on where you stay and the time of year you're traveling.
Food and snacks: You'll likely need to eat while on the road, so be sure to budget for meals and snacks along the way. Packing your own food can help save money, but you may also want to indulge in some local cuisine as you pass through different parts of the country.
Sightseeing: Finally, don't forget to budget for any sightseeing you plan to do along the way. Whether you want to visit national parks, museums, or other attractions, plan ahead so you can factor the cost of admission or other fees into your budget.
Recommendations for the Best Route
Based on the distance and cost of gas, Route 3 through Charlotte and Indianapolis appears to be the most budget-friendly route for this trip. While it still covers a lot of ground, its shorter distance means you'll need less gas overall. Additionally, this route offers some stunning scenery as you cross through the Great Smoky Mountains and the rolling farmlands of Indiana.
However, each of the three routes offers its own unique charms and sights to see. Consider how much time and money you have to spend on the journey, and choose the route that fits your preferences and budget best.
Conclusion
Driving from Bluffton, South Carolina to Sioux Falls, South Dakota is an epic road trip that covers a lot of ground. While gas will be your biggest expense, you'll also need to budget for food, lodging, and potential sightseeing along the way.
Route 3 through Charlotte and Indianapolis is the most budget-friendly option of the three, but each route offers its own advantages and potential drawbacks. Consider your priorities and choose the route that makes the most sense for your needs and preferences. Safe travels!