The Cost of Driving From Bowie, Maryland to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Planning a road trip from Bowie, Maryland to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina? You're in for a fantastic adventure! To help you make the most of your journey, we've put together a comprehensive guide on the cost of driving, taking into consideration current gas prices, tolls, and different route options. So buckle up and get ready to hit the road!

Route 1: The Direct Route

For those who prefer the most direct route, this option takes you along I-95 South. The distance from Bowie, Maryland to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina is approximately 380 miles. The estimated driving time for this route is around 6 hours and 30 minutes, give or take depending on traffic conditions.

Let's talk money now. Considering an average gas price of $2.50 per gallon, and assuming your vehicle gets around 25 miles per gallon, you can expect to spend around $60 on gas for this leg of the journey. Additionally, you'll encounter a couple of tolls along the way, including the Delaware Memorial Bridge toll of $5 and the Virginia I-295 toll of $4.

Route 2: The Scenic Route

If you're in the mood for a more scenic drive, we suggest taking US-50/US-17 South. This route spans approximately 442 miles and offers the opportunity to take in the beauty of the eastern coastline. However, be prepared for a slightly longer journey time of around 7 hours and 30 minutes.

As for expenses, the same average gas price of $2.50 per gallon applies here. With an estimated fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, you can anticipate spending roughly $70 on gas. This route also includes a few tolls: the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel toll of $18 and the South Carolina-Georgia border toll of $1.

Route 3: The Scenic Detour

For those who crave a bit more adventure and have some extra time on their hands, why not consider taking a scenic detour? By hopping on US-13 South from Bowie, Maryland, you can enjoy a range of breathtaking sights along the way, such as scenic small towns and picturesque countryside.

This route has a total distance of around 420 miles, similar to the direct route, but the estimated driving time will increase to approximately 7 hours and 45 minutes. With gas prices and efficiency remaining the same, you can expect to spend about $70 on gas for this leg of the journey. Unfortunately, there are no tolls to break up the monotony on this route.

Conclusion

When planning a road trip, it's crucial to consider the cost, distance, and time involved in each prospective route. For the more budget-conscious travelers seeking the quickest option, the direct route along I-95 South stands out with a cost of about $69 (including tolls) and a travel time of around 6 hours and 30 minutes. On the other hand, explorers looking for a scenic journey can opt for the US-50/US-17 South route, with an expenditure of approximately $88 (including tolls) and a travel time of roughly 7 hours and 30 minutes. If you have time to spare and a sense of adventure, taking the scenic detour on US-13 South could be the right choice, costing you around $70 in gas with a travel time of about 7 hours and 45 minutes.

Ultimately, the choice is yours. Whichever route you decide on, with the right company, some good tunes, and a sense of adventure, your road trip from Bowie, Maryland to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina is sure to be an unforgettable experience!