Driving Cost from Brentwood, Tennessee to Matthews, North Carolina

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The Cost of a Trip between Brentwood, Tennessee and Matthews, North Carolina

When planning a trip between Brentwood, Tennessee, and Matthews, North Carolina, one of the essential factors to consider is the cost of the journey. With fluctuating gas prices and several possible routes, understanding the financial implications of your travel choices is crucial. In this article, we will explore the various routes, their distances, associated costs, and ultimately recommend the best route based on current gas prices. So, buckle up and let's dive into the cost breakdown of your trip!

Route Options

  1. Option 1: Taking I-65 S and I-85 S (the fastest route)

The first and most direct route between Brentwood, Tennessee, and Matthews, North Carolina, is primarily through the interstate system. Starting from Brentwood, you would take I-65 S before merging onto I-85 S toward Charlotte. This route spans approximately 520 miles and should take around 7.5 hours.

  1. Option 2: Taking I-40 E and I-77 S

Another popular route choice is to take I-40 E and I-77 S. This option avoids some of the potential traffic congestion on I-65 and provides an alternative for drivers. The total distance covered using this route is around 550 miles, with a travel time of approximately 8 hours.

  1. Option 3: Taking US-431 S and I-20 E

For those seeking a more scenic drive, this route might be a good fit. Starting from Brentwood, you would take US-431 S, which eventually merges onto I-20 E. This route is the longest, spanning approximately 610 miles and taking around 9 hours.

Now that we have a general understanding of the route options and their distances, let's dive into the cost breakdown based on current gas prices.

Cost Breakdown

The primary cost factor for this trip is fuel consumption. Gasoline prices, including taxes, can vary significantly across different states and regions. As we analyze the cost, keep in mind that this is an estimation based on current gas prices (subject to change).

To calculate the total cost based on current gas prices, we need to consider the following key elements:

  1. The Average Fuel Efficiency of Your Vehicle

The fuel efficiency of your vehicle is measured in miles per gallon (MPG). This information can typically be found in your car's user manual or by researching the specific make and model. For this article, we will use an average fuel efficiency of 25 MPG, which is a reasonable estimate for most modern cars.

  1. Current Gasoline Prices

Gas prices can fluctuate daily, so it's essential to check the most up-to-date rates before embarking on your trip. As of October 2021, the average gas price in Tennessee is $2.91 per gallon, while in North Carolina, it is slightly higher at $2.98 per gallon.

Now, let's break down the cost for each route option based on their distances and current gas prices.

Option 1: Taking I-65 S and I-85 S

  • Total distance: 520 miles
  • Estimated travel time: 7.5 hours

To calculate the fuel cost, we divide the total distance by the average fuel efficiency and multiply it by the current gas price:

Fuel Cost = (Total Distance / Average MPG) * Gas Price

Substituting in the values for this route using the current gas prices, we get:

Fuel Cost = (520 miles / 25 MPG) * $2.91/gallon = $60.36

Option 2: Taking I-40 E and I-77 S

  • Total distance: 550 miles
  • Estimated travel time: 8 hours

Using the same formula, we can calculate the fuel cost for this route:

Fuel Cost = (550 miles / 25 MPG) * $2.91/gallon = $64.68

Option 3: Taking US-431 S and I-20 E

  • Total distance: 610 miles
  • Estimated travel time: 9 hours

Applying the formula once more, we obtain the fuel cost for this route:

Fuel Cost = (610 miles / 25 MPG) * $2.91/gallon = $71.57

Recommending the Best Route

After analyzing the cost breakdown and considering factors such as gas prices and travel times, we can make an informed recommendation on the best route for your trip between Brentwood, Tennessee, and Matthews, North Carolina.

While Option 3 may seem tempting for its scenic appeal, the significantly longer distance and additional travel time make it less favorable from a cost perspective. Between Options 1 and 2, the discrepancy in fuel costs is minimal, with Option 2 having a slightly higher cost. However, the potential for traffic congestion on I-65, particularly during peak travel times, can offset this difference in fuel expenses.

Therefore, keeping both cost and travel time in mind, the recommended route is Option 1: Taking I-65 S and I-85 S. It offers a good balance between distance, travel time, and cost, making it the most practical choice for most travelers.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you're planning a trip between Brentwood, Tennessee, and Matthews, North Carolina, taking into account the cost of the journey is an important factor. With varying gas prices and multiple route choices, understanding the financial implications of your trip is key to effective planning.

Based on the current gas prices and distances, Option 1, taking I-65 S and I-85 S, provides the most cost-effective route. It offers a suitable balance between distance, travel time, and fuel costs. The estimated travel time for this route is around 7.5 hours, assuming a smooth journey without any substantial traffic delays.

By selecting Option 1, you can embark on your trip, knowing that you have chosen the most economical route without compromising too much on travel time. Safe travels!