The Cost of a Trip Between Bristol, Tennessee and Asheville, North Carolina: A Comparison of Routes

When planning a trip from Bristol, Tennessee to Asheville, North Carolina, there are a variety of different routes that one can take. The cost of the trip will vary depending on the route, the vehicle being used, and current gas prices in the area. In this article, we will take a look at several different possible routes between Bristol and Asheville, along with their corresponding costs and distances, and then recommend the best route based on these factors.

Possible Routes and Costs

Route 1: I-81 and I-40

One possible route from Bristol to Asheville involves taking I-81 South until it meets I-40 West near Knoxville, Tennessee. You would then continue on I-40 all the way to Asheville. The distance for this route is approximately 112 miles, and the cost will vary depending on the gas prices in the area. As of this writing, the average gas price in the Bristol area is $2.35 per gallon, while the average in Asheville is $2.47 per gallon. Assuming an average vehicle fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, the total cost of this route would be approximately $16.10.

Route 2: I-26

Another possible route would be to take I-81 South until it meets I-26 East, which runs directly from Kingsport, Tennessee to Asheville. The distance for this route is approximately 100 miles. Assuming the same average fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon and current gas prices, the total cost of this route would be approximately $15.00.

Route 3: Scenic Route through the Blue Ridge Mountains

If you have more time to spare and are looking for a scenic route, it is possible to take a longer, winding route through the Blue Ridge Mountains. This route would take you through the Cherokee National Forest and the Pisgah National Forest, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The distance for this route is approximately 150 miles, so it will take longer to drive. However, assuming the same average fuel efficiency and current gas prices, the total cost of this route would still be comparable to the other two options, at approximately $22.50.

Recommended Route

Based on the distances and costs of the different routes, we recommend taking Route 2, which involves taking I-81 South and then switching to I-26 East. This route is both shorter and less expensive than the other options. Furthermore, this option is likely to be faster than the scenic route through the Blue Ridge Mountains, which may be important if you are trying to arrive in Asheville by a certain time.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the cost of a trip between Bristol, Tennessee and Asheville, North Carolina will vary depending on the route taken, the vehicle used, and current gas prices in the area. Three possible routes were considered in this article, with Route 2 (I-81 South to I-26 East) being recommended as the best option based on distance and cost. Assuming current gas prices and an average fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, this route will cost approximately $15.00 in fuel, and the trip should take around two hours to complete. However, it is important to note that these numbers may vary depending on a variety of different factors, so it is always a good idea to check current gas prices and plan accordingly before embarking on any trip.