The Cost of a Road Trip from Bowling Green, Kentucky to Pensacola, Florida

If you are planning a road trip from Bowling Green, Kentucky to Pensacola, Florida, there are several factors to consider. Distance, time, gas prices, and route options will impact the overall cost of your trip.

Distance and Time

Bowling Green, Kentucky, is located in the central part of the state, and Pensacola, Florida, is located in the extreme northwest part of the state, on the Gulf of Mexico. The shortest distance between the two cities is approximately 470 miles, which would take about 7 hours and 30 minutes to drive. However, there are several routes to choose from, and each option will vary in distance and time.

Route Options and Gas Prices

The first option is to take I-65 S down to Montgomery, Alabama, then I-85 W over to Mobile, and finally I-10 W to Pensacola. This route is the most direct as it avoids taking detours along the route. The distance by this route is approximately 540 miles, which would take about 8 hours to drive.

The second option is to take I-65 S down to Birmingham, Alabama, then I-20 W over to Meridian, Mississippi, and finally I-59 S to Pensacola, Florida. This route is almost the same driving distance as the first option, at approximately 550 miles, but it would take about 9 hours to drive because of the winding roads through the Southern Mississippi terrain.

The third option is to take I-65 S down to Montgomery, Alabama, then take US 231 S and US 331 S to Pensacola, Florida. This route is about 570 miles, which takes almost the same time as the Meridian route. However, it would allow drivers a much more scenic view of beaches and waterways and allows drivers to explore the area while traveling.

The cost of gas is also a significant factor that will affect the total cost of your road trip. The cost of gas varies state by state, and prices fluctuate daily. As of mid-July 2021, the average gas price in Kentucky was $2.95 per gallon, while the average gas price in Alabama was $2.87 per gallon, and in Florida, the price averages $2.99 per gallon.

Assuming that your vehicle gets an average of 25 miles per gallon, you would need approximately 19 gallons of gas for the shortest route, 22 gallons for the Meridian route, and 23 gallons for the scenic route. This cost is based on current gas prices.

Comparing the driving time and gas prices of each route, the most cost-effective and efficient route would be the first option. Even though the direct route is slightly longer, the gas costs will total a lower amount compared to other routes, and driving time won't be much longer than the scenic route.

Best Route and Total Cost

The best route for most drivers would be the route that is the most direct. Taking I-65 S, I-85 W, and I-10 W from Bowling Green, KY, to Pensacola, FL, would be the best option. Even if you pay a higher average price for gas in Florida compared to Kentucky or Alabama, you'll travel fewer miles, allowing for a more economical trip.

The total round-trip cost of this road trip, which includes gas, would be approximately $120, assuming you get 25 miles per gallon, the average current gas prices, and factoring in an average driving time.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a road trip from Bowling Green, Kentucky, to Pensacola, Florida, can be done in several ways. When considering the distance, time, gas prices, and route options, the most cost-effective and efficient route is to take I-65 S, I-85 W, and I-10 W, covering a distance of about 540 miles and taking about 8 hours to drive. Despite being the longest route by mileage, the added length comes at a lower expense point to the driver. With average gas prices, the total gas cost for the round-trip would be approximately $120. Whether you are taking the road trip for fun or business, if you take these factors into account, you can make informed decisions.