Road Trip Budget: The Cost of Driving from Buckner, MO to Asheville, NC

Are you planning a road trip from Buckner, Missouri to Asheville, North Carolina? Whether you're visiting family, starting a new job, or just looking for an adventure, it's important to budget for your trip. To help you do that, we've broken down the cost of driving using current gas prices. Here are the different routes you can take, with details on the distance, time, and cost of each.

I-70 E and I-64 E

This route takes you through St. Louis, Louisville, and Lexington. It's the fastest route, with a distance of about 760 miles. The estimated driving time is around 11 hours and 45 minutes, depending on traffic. You will need to pay a toll of $4.60 to cross the Sherman Minton Bridge in Louisville. As of July 2021, the average cost of gas in Missouri is $2.84 per gallon and in North Carolina is $2.91 per gallon. Based on an average fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, you can expect to spend around $136 on gas for this route.

I-44 E and I-40 E

If you prefer a more southern route, this one might be the way to go. It takes you through Springfield, Tulsa, Oklahoma City, and Little Rock. The distance is around 960 miles, and the estimated driving time is about 15 hours and 30 minutes, depending on traffic. You will need to pay tolls of $2.00 for the Will Rogers Turnpike in Oklahoma and $4.00 for the Arkansas River Bridge in Arkansas. As of July 2021, the average cost of gas in Missouri is $2.84 per gallon and in North Carolina is $2.91 per gallon. Based on an average fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, you can expect to spend around $171 on gas for this route.

US-60 E and I-81 S

This route takes you through cities like Paducah, West Virginia, and Roanoke. It's the longest route, at around 1,050 miles. The estimated driving time is about 17 hours and 30 minutes, depending on traffic. There are no tolls on this route. As of July 2021, the average cost of gas in Missouri is $2.84 per gallon and in North Carolina is $2.91 per gallon. Based on an average fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, you can expect to spend around $190 on gas for this route.

Conclusion

No matter which route you take, it's important to budget for the cost of your trip. Gas prices can vary, so be sure to check them before you hit the road. You may also want to consider the cost of accommodations and food, as well as any other expenses you may incur along the way. With a little planning, you can enjoy a fun and affordable road trip from Buckner, MO to Asheville, NC!