Driving Cost from Brandon, Florida to Asheville, North Carolina

A picture depicting a gas pump

The Cost of a Trip between Brandon, Florida and Asheville, North Carolina: Navigating Gas Prices

Traveling from Brandon, Florida, to Asheville, North Carolina, can be a thrilling experience for anyone who enjoys hitting the open road. Whether you are traveling for business, vacation, or just visiting family and friends, it is important to have an understanding of the cost of the trip. There are different possible routes to take when driving to Asheville, and with fluctuating gas prices, it is essential to choose the one that best suits your budget. This article will examine the different routes, distances, and costs to help you narrow down your options and select the best one.

Possible Routes

There are several routes one can take when traveling from Brandon, Florida to Asheville, North Carolina. Each route offers its unique pros and cons and can largely affect the cost of your trip. The three possible routes that you can take are as follows:

1. The Florida Turnpike and I-26 Route

This route is the shortest and fastest, covering a distance of approximately 674 miles. You start on the Florida Turnpike and merge onto I-95 towards Jacksonville. After reaching Jacksonville, you take I-26, which goes all the way to Asheville. You will pass through several states, including Georgia and South Carolina.

2. The Scenic Route through the Blue Ridge Parkway

This route is often favored by those traveling for recreational purposes or anyone interested in a more scenic drive. It entails a distance of approximately 878 miles. You start by driving on I-75 to Atlanta. You can then take US-23 and US-74 through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, eventually arriving at the Blue Ridge Parkway. This route offers breathtaking views, and one should plan on spending an extra day to indulge in what this route has to offer.

3. The Coastal Route

This route covers a distance of approximately 863 miles and is an excellent choice for those who prefer coastal drives. You start by driving down I-75 to Georgia, then take I-16 and I-95 before coming to South Carolina. You will then take I-26 to Asheville. This route may take more time as you may want to take some time to explore the towns and beaches along the coast.

Cost Analysis

The cost of a trip is predominantly determined by the distance covered, the gas in your tank, and your vehicle's fuel efficiency. When analyzing the different routes mentioned above, it is essential to keep in mind the cost incurred in acquiring gas along the way.

1. The Florida Turnpike and I-26 Route

This route covers a distance of approximately 674 miles, and it will require a fuel consumption of approximately 40 gallons. With the national average gas price at $2.89, one should expect to spend approximately $115 to make the trip.

2. The Scenic Route through the Blue Ridge Parkway

This route covers a distance of approximately 878 miles, and it will require a fuel consumption of approximately 52 gallons. With the national average gas price at $2.89, one should expect to spend approximately $150 to complete this route.

3. The Coastal Route

This route covers a distance of approximately 863 miles, and it will require a fuel consumption of approximately 51 gallons. With the national average gas price at $2.89, one should expect to spend approximately $147 to make it to Asheville.

Choosing the Best Route

When trying to determine the best road to take, there are several factors to consider. If your goal is to save money on the trip, then the Florida Turnpike and I-26 route are the best for you. It is the shortest and fastest, and you will spend the least amount of money on gas to complete it. However, if you are interested in exploring scenic views and have time to spare, then the Blue Ridge Parkway route is most definitely the one to take. You will be overwhelmed by the grandeur of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and the Blue Ridge Parkway is a picturesque drive. However, be ready to factor in expenses you might incur during the stops you will take along the way. For a coastal drive experience that was once described as “a beautiful, occasionally bland, and sometimes frightening strip of land," the Coastal Route may be the best fit. It will provide you with the opportunity to visit beaches and towns that dot the coastline between Florida and North Carolina.

Conclusion

As you can see, the cost of a trip from Brandon, Florida, to Asheville, North Carolina, depends on several factors. There are several possible routes to take, and each route has its own cost implications. If you want to save money and time, the Florida Turnpike and I-26 Route is your best bet. If you want a scenic experience, the Blue Ridge Parkway is the way to go. Either way, with the above cost analysis, one can make an informed decision about the best route to take. Upon arrival in Asheville after a 14-hour drive, you will be thrilled with the sceneries, history, and adventurous spirit that characterize the city and its environs. Safe travels!