Driving Cost from Boulder, Colorado to Charlotte, North Carolina

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The Cost of a Trip Between Boulder, Colorado, and Charlotte, North Carolina

If you're planning a trip from Boulder, Colorado to Charlotte, North Carolina, you might be wondering how much it's going to cost you. The answer depends on a variety of factors, including your mode of transportation, the route you take, and the cost of gas at the time of your trip.

In this article, we'll explore the different possible routes from Boulder to Charlotte and highlight the cost and distance of each one. We'll also recommend the best route for budget-conscious travelers.

The Routes

There are several possible routes you can take when traveling from Boulder to Charlotte. The most common routes include:

  • I-70 E and I-64 E (1,686 miles)
  • I-76 E, I-80 E, and I-76 E (1,670 miles)
  • I-25 S and I-40 E (1,756 miles)

Let's take a closer look at each one.

I-70 E and I-64 E

The shortest route from Boulder to Charlotte takes you along I-70 E and I-64 E. The route starts out on I-70 E in Colorado, takes you through Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, and Kentucky, and ends on I-64 E in West Virginia, which takes you to Virginia and then on to North Carolina.

This route spans a total distance of 1,686 miles and takes approximately 24 hours to drive straight through. It's also the quickest route in terms of time, but not the cheapest due to tolls and higher gas prices along this route. It's important to factor in these additional costs when considering this route.

I-76 E, I-80 E, and I-76 E

Another possible route from Boulder to Charlotte is to take I-76 E, I-80 E, and I-76 E. The route begins on I-76 in Colorado, takes you through Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and Pennsylvania, and ends on I-76 E in Pennsylvania, which takes you to Virginia and on to North Carolina.

This route spans a total distance of 1,670 miles and takes approximately 25 hours to drive straight through. While this route does have some tolls, the overall gas prices are lower than the I-70 E and I-64 E route. Additionally, this route takes you through some scenic areas, including the Corn Palace in Mitchell, South Dakota and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio.

I-25 S and I-40 E

A less-traveled route from Boulder to Charlotte is to take I-25 S and I-40 E. This route starts on I-25 S in Colorado, takes you through New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Tennessee, and North Carolina, and ends on I-40 E in Tennessee.

This route spans a total distance of 1,756 miles and takes approximately 27 hours to drive straight through. While this route has mostly state highways with less tolls, gas prices can be higher along the way. Plus, this route takes you through some interesting sites such as the Roswell UFO Museum in Roswell, New Mexico, and Memphis, Tennessee, the home of the Blues and the Birthplace of Rock n Roll.

The Cost

When it comes to the cost of your trip from Boulder to Charlotte, there are several factors to consider, including:

  • Gas prices
  • Tolls
  • Food and lodging

Gas prices will undoubtedly be your biggest expense on the trip. According to GasBuddy, as of July 2021, the current average gas price in Colorado is around $3.66 per gallon, while the average price in North Carolina is around $2.93 per gallon. However, gas prices can fluctuate frequently, especially in the summertime, which is considered the peak season for travel.

Tolls vary on the different routes. Most toll plazas along these routes accept E-ZPass and other cashless methods of payment such as license plate tolling.

Food and lodging will depend on your preferences. If you plan on driving straight through, you might choose to pack food and snacks for the road. If you prefer stopping off for meals and lodging, plan ahead to factor any costs into your travel budget.

Based on gas prices as of July 2021 and Google Maps' estimated fuel cost calculator, the approximate cost of each route would be:

  • I-70 E and I-64 E: $247-314
  • I-76 E, I-80 E, and I-76 E: $220-279
  • I-25 S and I-40 E: $268-342

Remember that these are estimates and the prices can vary based on many factors.

Recommendation

Based on the above factors, we recommend taking the I-76 E, I-80 E, and I-76 E route if you're looking to save on gas prices and enjoy some unique sights along the way. This route has lower gas prices and takes you through some interesting Midwestern and Eastern states.

However, if time is of the essence, you may want to consider taking the I-70 E and I-64 E route. This is the quickest route, but also the most expensive one. If you want to take a more scenic route and spur of the moment stops, the I-25S and I-40E would be the best.

Conclusion

The cost of a trip from Boulder, Colorado to Charlotte, North Carolina will depend on a variety of factors, including gas prices, tolls, food and lodging. The three most common routes are I-70 E and I-64 E, I-76 E, I-80 E, and I-76 E, and I-25 S and I-40 E. We recommend the I-76 E, I-80 E, and I-76 E route due to lower gas prices and interesting sights along the way. The trip will take approximately 25 hours and cost around $220-279 excluding food and lodging. Whether you're looking for a quick route or a scenic one with unique stops, the right route for you will depend on your individual budget and preferences.