The Cost of a Trip Between Boone, NC and Blacksburg, VA
Are you planning a trip from Boone, NC to Blacksburg, VA and wondering about the costs involved? Look no further! In this article, we'll break down the different possible routes, highlight their costs and distances, and recommend the best route based on current gas prices.
Possible Routes
There are a few different routes you can take between Boone and Blacksburg, and the one you choose will affect the cost of your trip. Here are the three main options:
Route 1: via US-221 S
Distance: 95 miles
This is the shortest route between Boone and Blacksburg, mainly taking US-221 S. However, it's worth noting that the first part of this route is quite twisty and hilly, so it may not be the best option if you don't enjoy driving on curvy roads.
Route 2: via US-421 S and I-77 N
Distance: 135 miles
This route takes you down US-421 S through Wilkesboro and Winston-Salem before turning onto I-77 N near Mount Airy. It adds about 40 miles to the trip compared to Route 1, but it's a mostly straight line with wider, smoother roads.
Route 3: via US-421 S and I-81 N
Distance: 145 miles
For a more scenic option, you could take US-421 S down to the town of Boone and then follow I-81 N through the mountains to Blacksburg. This route is the longest of the three, but it offers lovely views of the Blue Ridge and Appalachian mountains along the way.
Cost Breakdown
To calculate the cost of each route, we'll assume you're driving a vehicle that gets 25 miles per gallon and gas costs $3.00 per gallon. We'll also factor in any tolls along the way.
Route 1: via US-221 S
Gas usage: (95 miles / 25 mpg) * $3.00/gal = $11.40
Tolls: None
Total cost: $11.40
Route 2: via US-421 S and I-77 N
Gas usage: (135 miles / 25 mpg) * $3.00/gal = $16.20
Tolls: $2.00 for the Virginia section of I-77
Total cost: $18.20
Route 3: via US-421 S and I-81 N
Gas usage: (145 miles / 25 mpg) * $3.00/gal = $17.40
Tolls: None
Total cost: $17.40
Recommended Route
Based on cost and distance, Route 1 is the best option. It's the shortest and doesn't have any tolls to factor in. However, if you prefer a straighter, smoother drive and don't mind the extra cost, Route 2 is a good alternative.
Conclusion
In summary, the best route from Boone, NC to Blacksburg, VA for cost-conscious travelers is via US-221 S. It's a short and scenic drive that won't break the bank. However, if you prefer a longer but smoother drive, Route 2 via US-421 S and I-77 N is a solid option. Whichever route you choose, expect to spend around 2-3 hours on the road depending on traffic and how many breaks you take. Happy travels!