Driving Cost from Bluffton, South Carolina to Wilmington, North Carolina

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The Cost of a Road Trip from Bluffton, South Carolina to Wilmington, North Carolina

If you're planning a road trip from Bluffton, South Carolina to Wilmington, North Carolina, then you're probably wondering about the cost. How much should you budget for gas, food, and other expenses? In this article, we'll break down the different possible routes, highlight the cost and distance of each one, recommend the best route, and give you an estimate of how much the trip will cost you.

Possible Routes and Their Costs

When it comes to driving from Bluffton to Wilmington, there are three main routes you can take: I-95 North, US-17 North, or US-17 South. Let's look at each one in more detail.

Route 1: I-95 North

I-95 North is the most direct route and covers a distance of about 255 miles. The drive time is around 4 hours and 15 minutes, depending on traffic. Here's a breakdown of the costs:

  • Gas: According to AAA's gas price calculator, the average cost of gas in South Carolina is $2.12 per gallon. If your car gets an average of 25 miles per gallon, then the cost of gas for the entire trip (one way) will be around $27.

  • Tolls: There are no tolls on this route.

  • Food and other expenses: This will depend on your personal preferences and how often you stop for food and bathroom breaks. As a general rule, it's a good idea to budget around $50 per person for food and other expenses.

Route 2: US-17 North

US-17 North is a slightly longer route, covering a distance of about 290 miles. The drive time is around 5 hours, depending on traffic. Here's a breakdown of the costs:

  • Gas: According to AAA's gas price calculator, the average cost of gas in South Carolina is $2.12 per gallon. If your car gets an average of 25 miles per gallon, then the cost of gas for the entire trip (one way) will be around $30.

  • Tolls: There are no tolls on this route.

  • Food and other expenses: This will depend on your personal preferences and how often you stop for food and bathroom breaks. As a general rule, it's a good idea to budget around $50 per person for food and other expenses.

Route 3: US-17 South

US-17 South is the longest route, covering a distance of about 320 miles. The drive time is around 5 hours and 45 minutes, depending on traffic. Here's a breakdown of the costs:

  • Gas: According to AAA's gas price calculator, the average cost of gas in South Carolina is $2.12 per gallon. If your car gets an average of 25 miles per gallon, then the cost of gas for the entire trip (one way) will be around $34.

  • Tolls: There are no tolls on this route.

  • Food and other expenses: This will depend on your personal preferences and how often you stop for food and bathroom breaks. As a general rule, it's a good idea to budget around $50 per person for food and other expenses.

Based on the costs and distance, the recommended route is I-95 North. It's the most direct route and has the lowest gas cost. However, if you're in the mood for a scenic drive, then US-17 North is also a good option.

Conclusion

A road trip from Bluffton, South Carolina to Wilmington, North Carolina is a great way to explore the southeast coast of the United States. By taking I-95 North, the most direct route, you can expect to spend around $27 on gas one way, plus an additional $50 for food and other expenses per person. In total, the trip should take around 4 hours and 15 minutes. Whether you're traveling alone or with friends and family, this road trip is definitely worth the cost and time.