Driving Cost from Bushnell, Florida to West Palm Beach, Florida

A picture depicting a gas pump

The Cost of a Trip between Bushnell and West Palm Beach during High Gas Prices

Florida is a popular destination for vacationers and retirees. It is home to several tourist attractions like Disney World, Miami Beach, and the Everglades. Many people travel from one city to another for work, pleasure, or family visits. Bushnell is a small city in Sumter County, Florida, located in the Central region. West Palm Beach, on the other hand, is a bigger city in Palm Beach County, Florida, located in the southeastern region. The distance between these two cities is about 186 miles. The cost of a trip depends on various factors like mode of transport, fuel prices, tolls, rental fees, and time of year. This article focuses on the cost of a trip between Bushnell and West Palm Beach during high gas prices.

Driving from Bushnell to West Palm Beach

Driving from Bushnell to West Palm Beach is a popular option for many people because it gives them more flexibility, control, and comfort. There are several routes available, depending on the driver's preference, time, and destination. The most common roadways are via Florida's Turnpike, Interstate 75, and the US 27. However, the total cost of a trip depends on the gas prices, which may vary from one gas station to another. For this article's purpose, we assume the current gas price in Florida is $3.00 per gallon.

Route 1: Florida's Turnpike

The Florida's Turnpike is a 312-mile toll road that spans the entire length of the state, from Miami to Wildwood. It has an easy-to-use electronic toll system called SunPass that allows drivers to pay tolls automatically without stopping at a toll booth. The toll rates vary depending on the vehicle type, distance traveled, and time of day. For example, a car traveling from Fort Pierce (Exit 152) to West Palm Beach (Exit 97) pays a toll of $4.70 during off-peak hours and $6.20 during peak hours.

The distance between Bushnell and West Palm Beach via the Florida's Turnpike is about 190 miles. Assuming a fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon (MPG) and a gas price of $3.00 per gallon, the total cost of a round trip from Bushnell to West Palm Beach is estimated as follows:

  • Gas costs = 190 miles / 25 MPG x 2 (round trip) x $3.00 per gallon = $45.60
  • Toll costs = $4.70 (Fort Pierce to West Palm Beach) x 2 (round trip) = $9.40
  • Total cost = $45.60 + $9.40 = $55.00

Using Florida's Turnpike can be a bit expensive, but it is a faster and more convenient option for drivers who want to avoid traffic and save time.

Route 2: Interstate 75 and Florida's Turnpike

Another popular route is to use the Interstate 75 and Florida's Turnpike. This route will take drivers through cities like Ocala, Gainesville, Lake City, and Orlando, making it an attractive option for people who want to explore Florida's scenic routes, attractions, and culture. However, it is a slightly longer route than using the Florida Turnpike alone.

The distance between Bushnell and West Palm Beach via Interstate 75 and Florida's Turnpike is about 222 miles. Assuming the same fuel efficiency and gas price as before, the total cost of this trip is estimated as follows:

  • Gas costs = 222 miles / 25 MPG x 2 (round trip) x $3.00 per gallon = $53.28
  • Toll costs = $10.85 (Wildwood to West Palm Beach) + $4.70 (Fort Pierce to West Palm Beach) x 2 (round trip) = $20.25
  • Total cost = $53.28 + $20.25 = $73.53

Using Interstate 75 and Florida's Turnpike can provide drivers with a more scenic and culturally diverse experience but can cost a bit more.

Route 3: US 27

The US 27 is a 481-mile highway that runs from Miami to Fort Wayne, Indiana. It is an affordable and less traveled road, making it an excellent option for drivers who want to avoid tolls, traffic, and congestion. The road passes through smaller cities and towns, such as Leesburg, Groveland, and Clermont, offering drivers a more rural and quiet experience.

The distance between Bushnell and West Palm Beach via US 27 is about 209 miles. Assuming the same fuel efficiency and gas price as before, the total cost of this trip is estimated as follows:

  • Gas costs = 209 miles / 25 MPG x 2 (round trip) x $3.00 per gallon = $50.40
  • Tolls Costs = $0.00
  • Total cost = $50.40

Using US 27 can be a good option for drivers who want to save some money and enjoy a more scenic and quiet drive.

Summary and Recommendations

Driving is a popular option for traveling between Bushnell and West Palm Beach. There are at least three different routes available: Florida's Turnpike, Interstate 75, and US 27. Each of them offers varying costs, distances, and travel times, depending on the driver's needs and preferences. A comparison of the different costs estimates shows that US 27 is the most affordable and scenic route, while Florida's Turnpike is the fastest and most expensive route.

In conclusion, the cost of a trip between Bushnell and West Palm Beach depends on various factors like fuel prices, tolls, distance, and mode of transport. For the purpose of this article, we have assumed the current gas price in Florida is $3.00 per gallon. The most affordable trip is via US 27, costing about $50.40, while the most expensive is via Florida's Turnpike and Interstate 75, costing about $55.00 and $73.53, respectively. Drivers should consider the distance, tolls, time, and convenience when choosing a route for their trip. Happy travels!