The Cost of a Trip Between Branford, Connecticut and Charlotte, North Carolina

As summer approaches, many people are planning their vacations, including road trips. If you are planning a road trip from Branford, Connecticut to Charlotte, North Carolina, you may be wondering how much it will cost you. Before you hit the road, it's important to know the cost of gas, tolls, and other expenses you may encounter on the trip. In this article, we will break down the cost of a trip between Branford and Charlotte, for different routes, and recommend the best one.

Gas Prices

Gas prices are one of the primary factors affecting the cost of a road trip. According to the latest data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the average price of a gallon of regular gas in Connecticut is $3.09, while in North Carolina, it's $2.95. Keep in mind that gas prices can vary widely depending on location and time of year.

Route Options

There are several route options for a road trip from Branford to Charlotte. The most direct route is to take I-95 South all the way to I-85 South. However, there are other options that may be more scenic or offer different stops along the way.

Route 1: I-95 South and I-85 South

The most straightforward route is to take I-95 South all the way to I-85 South. The distance is approximately 805 miles, and it takes around 12 hours without stopping. The cost of gas for this route will vary depending on the fuel economy of your vehicle. Assuming your vehicle gets 25 miles per gallon and gas costs $3.09 in Connecticut and $2.95 in North Carolina, you can expect to spend approximately $117 on gas for this route.

Route 2: I-84 West, I-81 South, and I-77 South

If you want to avoid some of the traffic on I-95, you can take a more inland route. Start by taking I-84 West to Scranton, Pennsylvania, then follow I-81 South to Wytheville, Virginia. From there, take I-77 South to Charlotte. This route is approximately 821 miles and takes around 13 hours without stopping. The cost of gas for this route is slightly higher than for Route 1, assuming the same fuel economy. You can expect to spend around $126 on gas.

Route 3: US-1 South and I-85 South

For a more scenic route, consider taking US-1 South instead of I-95. This route takes you through small towns and scenic countryside. Start by taking US-1 South from Branford to Raleigh, North Carolina, then take I-85 South to Charlotte. This route is approximately 846 miles and takes around 14 hours without stopping. The cost of gas for this route is slightly higher than for Route 1 and Route 2. You can expect to spend around $130 on gas.

Other Expenses

In addition to gas, there are other expenses to consider on a road trip. Tolls are a common expense on highways, especially in the Northeast. If you take Route 1 or Route 2, expect to encounter several tolls along the way. Other expenses to keep in mind include food, lodging, and activities along the way.

Recommended Route

While all three routes have their pros and cons, we recommend taking Route 1, the most direct route via I-95 South and I-85 South. This route is the shortest and most straightforward, with the lowest cost of gas. However, if you're looking for a more scenic route, consider taking Route 3.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a road trip from Branford, Connecticut to Charlotte, North Carolina can cost anywhere from $117 to $130 in gas alone, depending on the route you take. Other expenses, such as tolls and activities, can add to the cost. We recommend taking the most direct route, via I-95 South and I-85 South, which saves both time and money. No matter which route you choose, be sure to budget accordingly and enjoy the journey.