The Cost of a Trip Between Brandon, Florida and Virginia Beach, Virginia

If you're planning a road trip from Brandon, Florida to Virginia Beach, Virginia, one of the first things you'll want to consider is the cost. After all, traveling hundreds of miles by car can add up quickly when you factor in gas, food, lodging, and other expenses.

So how much should you expect to spend on a trip between Brandon and Virginia Beach, and what are your options for getting there? In this article, we'll break down the costs and distances of different routes and recommend the best one for your needs.

Route Options

There are a few different ways you could travel from Brandon, Florida to Virginia Beach, Virginia. Here are your main options:

Option 1: I-95

One of the most direct routes between the two cities is via I-95. This route takes you through Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia, and is a total distance of approximately 834 miles.

Option 2: I-85 and I-95

An alternate route is to take I-85 up to Richmond, Virginia, before heading east on I-64 to Virginia Beach. This option is slightly longer at about 879 miles, but could offer better scenery and less traffic than the coastal route.

Option 3: Coastal Route

If you have more time and want to take in some coastal views, you could take Rt. 17 up the eastern seaboard and eventually connect to I-64 to reach Virginia Beach. This route is about 971 miles.

Gas Prices and Fuel Costs

Of course, the biggest cost you'll have to consider for your trip is the price of gas. As of August 2021, the average price of a gallon of regular gas in Florida is $2.94, while in Virginia, it's $2.88.

To calculate the cost of gas for your trip, you'll need to estimate how many miles per gallon your vehicle gets and how many gallons you'll use for each leg of your journey. For example, if your car gets 25 miles per gallon and you're driving 834 miles on Option 1, you'll need roughly 33.36 gallons of gas. Multiplied by the average price per gallon in Florida, that comes out to $97.80 just for one leg of the trip.

Of course, gas prices can fluctuate, so it's a good idea to check the current prices before you leave and adjust your budget accordingly. You can use websites like GasBuddy to find up-to-date gas prices along your route.

Other Expenses

Gas isn't the only expense you'll encounter on your trip, of course. You'll also need to consider food, lodging, tolls, and other miscellaneous costs.

Food costs can vary widely depending on where and what you eat. If you're trying to save money, you could pack snacks and meals in a cooler or find budget-friendly restaurants along your route. Lodging costs can also vary widely, depending on your preferences and budget. You could choose to camp, stay in affordable motels, or splurge on nicer hotels.

Tolls and other miscellaneous expenses can also add up. For example, if you take the coastal route, you'll encounter several toll bridges and tunnels along the way, which can cost anywhere from a few dollars to more than $20 per crossing. Be sure to factor in these costs when planning your trip budget.

Recommended Route

So, which route is the best option for your trip from Brandon to Virginia Beach? It depends on your preferences and budget, but we recommend taking I-95 if you want to save time and money.

While the coastal route may offer more scenic views, it's significantly longer and could result in more gas and toll expenses. Meanwhile, the I-85 and I-95 route might be a good option if you want to avoid traffic and enjoy some different scenery, but it's also slightly longer and may not offer significant cost savings.

Overall, taking I-95 will allow you to reach Virginia Beach quickly and efficiently, while still offering some interesting sights along the way. Plus, since it's a popular route, you'll have plenty of options for food, lodging, and other stops.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the cost of a road trip from Brandon, Florida to Virginia Beach, Virginia will depend on a variety of factors, including gas prices, your vehicle's fuel efficiency, and other expenses like food and lodging. By estimating your costs and planning ahead, you can ensure that your trip is both enjoyable and affordable.

Our recommended route for the trip is via I-95, which offers a good balance of time, cost, and convenience. With a little bit of planning and some careful budgeting, you can hit the road and enjoy everything that this part of the country has to offer. Safe travels!