The Cost of a Trip Between Branchville, Alabama and Chattanooga, Tennessee

Traveling from Branchville, Alabama to Chattanooga, Tennessee can be an exciting adventure for those looking for a change of pace. However, before embarking on this journey, one needs to be aware of the cost implications of the trip. The distance between Branchville, Alabama to Chattanooga, Tennessee is about 127 miles, and the cost of the trip can vary depending on the mode of transportation and the route taken.

Possible Routes

There are several routes one can take between Branchville, Alabama and Chattanooga, Tennessee. The most common routes include:

Route 1: Via Gadsden and Fort Payne

This route is approximately 127 miles and takes about 2 hours and 12 minutes. The route starts in Branchville, Alabama on US-411 N and continues onto Rainbow Drive in Gadsden. From there, the route continues on to I-59 N and finally exits in Chattanooga. This route has toll-free roads and is primarily a four-lane highway, making it an efficient route for those traveling by car.

According to AAA's Fuel Cost Calculator, a vehicle with an average fuel economy of 25 mpg will consume approximately five gallons of gas for a one-way trip between Branchville, Alabama and Chattanooga, Tennessee. At the current national average gas price of $2.89 per gallon, the cost of gas for this route is approximately $14.45. Additionally, this route has no tolls, thus making it a relatively affordable option.

Route 2: Via Piedmont and Rome

This route is approximately 144 miles and takes about 3 hours. The journey starts in Branchville, Alabama on US 411 N and heads northeast towards Piedmont. From there, the route takes US 278 E to Rome and finally leads to the destination in Chattanooga, Tennessee. While this route may offer more scenic views of the countryside, it is likely to take more time than the first route.

According to a rough estimate, a vehicle with an average fuel economy of 25 mpg will consume approximately 5.76 gallons of gas for a one-way trip on this route, resulting in a gas cost of around $16.62. Since this route has no tolls, it is a relatively affordable option, but the additional travel time may not make it the most efficient route.

Route 3: Via Birmingham

This route is approximately 189 miles and takes about 3 hours and 16 minutes. The journey starts in Branchville, Alabama on US-411 N and heads towards Birmingham via I-20 W. From there, the route follows I-59 N and finally leads to Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Since this route involves traveling on two major highways (I-20 W and I-59 N), it is a faster route. However, that convenience comes at a cost because both highways have toll fees. The estimated cost of tolls for this route is around $12. Additionally, a vehicle with an average fuel economy of 25 mpg will consume approximately 7.56 gallons of gas for a one-way trip on this route, with an estimated gas cost of around $21.84. The total cost for this route would be approximately $33.84, which is roughly $19 more than Route 1.

Recommended Route

Overall, the most efficient and affordable route between Branchville, Alabama and Chattanooga, Tennessee is Route 1 via Gadsden and Fort Payne. This route has no tolls and is mostly a four-lane highway, making it faster and more efficient. For those looking for a scenic route, Route 2 via Piedmont and Rome would be the best option. However, the additional travel time may not be the most cost-effective option. Route 3 via Birmingham is the least recommended route since it has toll fees and is more expensive than the others.

Conclusion

When considering the cost of a trip between Branchville, Alabama and Chattanooga, Tennessee, it is essential to evaluate the various factors, including the duration of the journey, mode of transportation, and the route taken. Based on this analysis, Route 1 via Gadsden and Fort Payne is the most efficient and affordable option, taking about two hours and costing around $14.45 for gas. With this knowledge, travelers can plan their trip accordingly, making the most of their time and money.