The Cost of a Trip from Bowie, Maryland to Summerville, South Carolina

If you're planning a road trip from Bowie, Maryland to Summerville, South Carolina, you'll need to take into account the cost of travel. This cost can vary based on a number of factors, including which route you take, how much gasoline costs, and whether or not you stay overnight in a hotel. In this article, we'll analyze the possible routes between these two locations, explore the costs involved, and recommend the best route based on those cost considerations.

The Routes

There are two primary routes between Bowie, Maryland and Summerville, South Carolina: Route 95 and Route 301. Both of these routes are reasonably direct and well-traveled. However, there are some key differences between the two routes to keep in mind.

Route 95

Route 95 is the primary route for anyone traveling from the northeastern United States to Florida, making it a heavily-trafficked interstate. It passes through such major cities as Washington D.C., Richmond, Virginia, and Jacksonville, Florida, before continuing on to Miami. The route covers a total distance of approximately 660 miles and can take upwards of 11 hours to drive in its entirety.

Route 301

Route 301, on the other hand, is a more historic route that runs parallel to Route 95. Because it is not an interstate, this route sees less traffic, which could make for a more pleasant driving experience. It passes through smaller cities and towns, including Waldorf and La Plata in Maryland, and then continues southward through Virginia until it reaches Petersburg. From there it joins with Route 95 and the two routes are combined for the remainder of the trip. This route covers around 620 miles in total and can take up to 11.5 hours to drive in its entirety.

The Costs

Ultimately, the route you choose will determine the costs associated with your trip. The following factors may impact your travel costs:

Gas prices

One major expense associated with traveling is gas, and prices can vary widely depending on where you are and the time of year. According to GasBuddy.com, the average price of gasoline in Maryland as of August 2021 is around $3.11 per gallon, while the average price in South Carolina is around $2.87 per gallon. This means that you'll pay more for gas in Maryland than you will in South Carolina, all other things being equal. The size of your vehicle, type of fuel, and how much luggage you're carrying could also impact gas consumption.

Lodging

If you're planning a multi-day trip, you'll also need to factor in the cost of lodging. You may want to stay in a hotel or motel along the way, especially if you're planning on doing a lot of driving each day. The cost of a hotel or motel room can vary depending on your budget and preferred level of comfort.

Food

Another expense to consider is food. Depending on how long you're on the road, you may need to stop for meals or snacks along the way. You could opt to pack your own food in a cooler for a cheaper option.

Tolls

There are tolls along both Route 95 and Route 301. You can expect to pay between $20 and $25 in tolls if you take Route 95, while Route 301 costs approximately $5 in tolls.

Miscellaneous expenses

Lastly, you may need to factor in miscellaneous expenses like parking, souvenirs, or activities along the way.

Our Recommendation

Based on the information above, we recommend driving Route 95 to get from Bowie, Maryland to Summerville, South Carolina. While the cost of gas may be slightly higher in Maryland than in South Carolina, the tolls along Route 95 are much more expensive than those along Route 301. When you factor in the costs of gas, lodging, food, and tolls, driving Route 95 is likely to be the cheaper option overall.

Additionally, Route 95 is more direct and has fewer twists and turns than Route 301, which could result in faster and smoother travel. You may be able to complete your journey in less time, with fewer stops. The downside is that you'll deal with more traffic on Route 95 closer to the major cities.

Conclusion

Traveling from Bowie, Maryland, to Summerville, South Carolina can be expensive, but careful planning can help you manage the costs. By analyzing the various routes and their associated costs, we recommend driving Route 95 for a cheaper and more direct trip. However, keep in mind that each traveler’s experience varies, factors such as traffic and weather conditions should be considered. With this knowledge, you'll be better-equipped to make informed decisions about your travel plans, and hopefully save money along the way. Safe travels!