Road Trip Cost Breakdown: Boxborough, Massachusetts to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

Planning a road trip from Boxborough, Massachusetts, to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, can be a great way to explore the East Coast while enjoying the stunning scenic views along the way. However, before embarking on this journey, it's essential to know the various routes you can take and the corresponding cost implications.

This article will provide an overview of the different travel routes, highlighting the total cost of gas, distance traveled, and recommendations for the best route.

Route Overview

The first option is to follow I-95 South, which is the most direct route. The journey covers about 1097 miles, which will take about 17 hours and 44 minutes or more to complete.

The next alternative is through I-84 W and I-81 S. The journey of about 1,367 miles will take over 21 hours to complete and would be a total of just 270 miles longer than following I-95 South.

Finally, you can opt to go through US-1 South, which is about 1,200 miles long. This journey can take up to 19 hours to complete, making it slightly faster than the I-84 W and I-81 S route.

Fuel Cost Breakdown

The cost of gasoline varies depending on several factors, including location and seasonality. As of June 2021, the average cost of regular gas in Massachusetts was $2.93 per gallon, while in South Carolina, it was $2.76 per gallon, according to GasBuddy.

Using the average gas prices, here is a breakdown of the fuel costs for each route:

I-95 South

Total distance: 1097 miles.

Based on an average MPG of 25 and fuel efficiency of $2.93 per gallon, the total fuel cost for this route would be approximately $129.39, which is based on both ways at approximately 1097 miles.

I-84 W and I-81 S

Total distance: 1,367 miles.

The journey is longer in this direction, and the total fuel cost would be higher than I-95 South. Based on an average MPG of 25 and fuel efficiency of $2.93 per gallon, the total fuel cost for this route would be approximately $162.67 which is based on each way at approximately 1,367 miles traveled.

US-1 South

Total distance: 1,200 miles.

Compared to the I-84 W and I-81 S, this route is shorter, so the total fuel cost would be lesser. Based on an average MPG of 25 and fuel efficiency of $2.93 per gallon, the total fuel cost for this route would be approximately $141.17, based on each way at approximately 1,200 miles covered.

Recommended Route

While it is true that the I-95 South route is the most direct and shortest path, it can become congested in many areas and would require you to pass through some of the busy metropolitan cities in New York, New Jersey, Baltimore, and Washington D.C. This can make the journey tedious and slower than expected.

Therefore, it is advisable to use US-1 South to cut across many major cities and take in beautiful views of the forests and bay waters of the coastline. You can also decide to go through I-84 W and I-81 S, which will allow you to visit beautiful places along the route like the Prentiss Creek Wildlife Management Area, Monongahela National Forest, and Shenandoah National Park.

Conclusion

Traveling from Boxborough to Hilton Head Island by car can be an adventure that guarantees memories that can last a lifetime. It's a perfect way to see many parts of the East Coast that you would otherwise miss by taking a plane. With the various routes discussed in this article, it is essential to consider the one that suits your interests, timeframe, and budget.

Additionally, with our recommended route, you can expect to spend approximately $141.17 on gas, which makes US-1 South one of the most cost-effective options while enjoying scenic views. Therefore, you can pack your bags, fill up the gas tank, and hit the open road!