Driving Cost from Boaz, Alabama to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

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The Cost of a Road Trip Between Boaz, Alabama and Hilton Head Island, South Carolina Based on Current Gas Prices

Taking a road trip from Boaz, Alabama, to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, can be a rewarding experience. You can enjoy some scenic views and plan several stops along the way. The cost of a trip, however, can vary based on several factors, but the primary one is fuel. As of May 2021, the average gas price in Alabama is approximately $2.88 per gallon, while it's $2.78 in South Carolina. It's essential to budget accordingly to ensure that the cost doesn't exceed your means when you plan your route.

Possible Routes

There are three primary routes one can take when driving from Boaz, Alabama, to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. The best route will depend on your priorities, like distance and time. Let's explore the cost and road conditions of the possible options:

Route 1: I-59 N and I-20 E

The first route involves driving north on I-59 until you get to I-20 in Birmingham, Ala. You will then take I-20 east until you get to Augusta, Ga. From there, you'll take south the Carolina border, and eventually, to US-278 E towards Hilton Head Island. In total, the distance of this route is approximately 573 miles, and it usually takes 9 hours and 20 minutes. The estimated cost of fuel for this route is calculated as follows:

  • The distance between Boaz and Birmingham is about 74.4 miles, and assuming your car gets 25 miles per gallon, you'll need around three gallons of gas, which costs approximately $8.65.
  • The distance between Birmingham and Augusta is approximately 267 miles, which may also need eight gallons of gas, costing about $23.08.
  • The distance between Augusta and Hilton Head Island is about 231 miles and may take about five gallons of gas, costing approximately $13.85.

The total fuel cost for this route is approximately $45.58.

Route 2: I-65 N and I-85 S

The second option involves taking I-65 North from Boaz until you get to Montgomery, Ala. From there, you'll follow I-85 South until you cross the Georgia state line. In Georgia, you will take US-27 South and finally merge onto I-16 East towards Savannah, Ga. You'll take Exit 22 to get on US-278 East, which will take you straight to Hilton Head Island. The total distance of this route is approximately 654 miles, and it typically takes about 10 hours. The estimated fuel cost for this route is:

  • The distance between Boaz and Montgomery is about 170 miles, and will need around six gallons of gas, costing approximately $17.30.
  • The distance between Montgomery and Columbus, Ga., is about 127 miles. Six gallons of gas may cost about $20.76.
  • The distance between Columbus and Richmond Hill, Ga., which is close to Interstate 16, is about 258 miles, and you will need around eight gallons of gas, which costs approximately $19.32.
  • The total distance from Richmond Hill to Hilton Head Island is about 98 miles, and you'll require approximately three gallons of gas, costing about $8.34.

Therefore, the total fuel cost for this route is approximately $65.72.

Route 3: US-278 E

The third route involves taking US-278 from Boaz, passing through Alabama, then Georgia to South Carolina. This path may be the shortest, but it includes driving through mountains in northern Georgia. The total distance of this route is approximately 530 miles, and it usually takes about nine hours. The estimated fuel cost for this route is calculated as follows:

  • The distance between Boaz and Attalla, Ala., is about 8.9 miles, and you'll require around 0.4 gallons of gasoline, which costs approximately $1.15.
  • The distance between Attalla and Cullman, Ala., is about 63.9 miles, eight gallons of gas, which may cost about $23.08.
  • The distance between Cullman and Gadsden, Ala., is about 42 miles and needs around 1.7 gallons of gas, which will cost around $4.91.
  • The distance between Gadsden and Guntersville, Ala., is about 51.3 miles, requiring an estimated two gallons of gasoline, costing about $5.80.
  • The distance between Guntersville and Boaz, Ala., is about 18 miles, and may require around 0.7 gallons of gasoline, which costs around $2.02.
  • The distance between Boaz and Rome, Ga., is about 44 miles, and you'll require approximately 1.8 gallons of gas, costing about $5.20.
  • The distance between Rome and Athens, Ga., is about 56 miles, and may need about two gallons of gas, which costs approximately $5.80.
  • The distance between Athens and Augusta, Ga., is about 143 miles, requiring about five gallons of gasoline, which costs around $14.50.
  • The distance between Augusta and Hilton Head Island is approximately 99 miles, and may require about three gallons of gasoline, which costs approximately $17.70.

Therefore, the total fuel cost for this route is about $81.16.

Best Route Recommendation

Considering distance and costs, Route 1 appears to be the best option because it takes the shortest time, and the estimated fuel cost is the lowest. However, it is advisable to conduct a thorough cost comparison using your car fuel efficiency and gas prices at stations you intend to use during the trip.

Conclusion

Driving between Boaz, Alabama, and Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, can be an exciting experience. When it comes to the cost, remember that it primarily depends on how far you're willing to drive, your car fuel efficiency and gas prices along the routes. We recommend Route 1 as the best option because it takes less time than other options and has a lower estimated fuel cost. Whichever route you take, always exercise caution and ensure your car's safety and reliability for the trip. Safe travels!