Driving Cost from Brandon, Florida to Gainesville, Florida

A picture depicting a gas pump

The Cost of a Trip Between Brandon and Gainesville: Navigating the Current Gas Prices

Are you planning a trip from Brandon, Florida to Gainesville, Florida? One of the things you’ll need to consider in your planning is the cost of fuel. With gas prices fluctuating daily, it can be tough to know how much you’ll spend on gas for your trip. However, there are some things you can do to estimate the cost and help you choose the most cost-effective route. In this article, we will break down the different route options and their associated costs.

The Different Route Options

There are a few different route options when driving from Brandon to Gainesville. The two main routes are I-75 North and US-301 North. Here’s a breakdown of each route:

I-75 North

The most direct route from Brandon to Gainesville is I-75 North. This route takes you through Ocala and has a total distance of approximately 136 miles. The route is relatively flat and is made up of mostly highway driving. The advantage of taking this route is that it’s the most direct, so it should be the quickest. However, there are tolls to be paid on this route.

US-301 North

US-301 North is an alternate route to Gainesville. This route is longer than I-75, measuring approximately 154 miles. The drive time is about the same as I-75, but this route takes you through the small towns of Waldo and Starke. While there are no tolls on this route, you may encounter some stoplights and traffic.

Taking Distance Into Account

The distance of the trip is an essential factor to consider when planning your route. According to the US Department of Energy, the average cost of gas in Florida in 2021 is $2.83 per gallon. Assuming your vehicle gets an average of 27 MPG, let’s look at the estimated cost of gas for each route:

  • I-75 North: At 136 miles, this trip will use about 5 gallons of gas for a round trip. With gas prices averaging $2.83 per gallon, the estimated cost of gas for this trip will be around $28.30.
  • US-301 North: At 154 miles, this trip will use approximately 5.7 gallons of gas for a round trip. With an estimated cost of $2.83 per gallon, the estimated cost of gas for this trip will be around $32.15.

As you can see, the US-301 North route will cost about $4 more in gas than taking I-75 North. That’s not a huge price difference, but if you’re on a budget, every dollar counts.

Consider Other Factors

While the cost of gas is an essential factor to consider when planning your trip, there are other factors to think about as well. For example, you may choose to take a longer route to avoid tolls or heavy traffic. You may also prefer to take a scenic route instead of a direct one.

If you’re concerned about tolls, remember that I-75 has tolls to consider. You’ll need to factor in the cost of these tolls when planning your route. Be aware that toll costs can also change frequently, so it’s worth checking online for current prices.

If you’re interested in taking a scenic route, consider US-301 North. This route will take you through the small towns of Waldo and Starke, and you'll see more of the local scenery.

Based on the factors discussed, our recommendation for the most cost-effective route is I-75 North. This route is more direct and will save you some money on gas. However, if you’re interested in exploring smaller towns along the way or avoiding tolls, US-301 North may be the better option.

Conclusion

When planning your trip from Brandon to Gainesville, it’s crucial to consider factors like the cost of gas and distance. By exploring different routes and estimating gas costs, you can choose the most cost-effective route for your needs. Our recommendation is I-75 North for the most direct and cost-effective route. No matter which route you choose, remember to factor in your time, possible tolls, and potential traffic to make your trip as smooth as possible. Happy travels!