Driving Cost from Caribou, Maine to Hubert, North Carolina

A picture depicting a gas pump

The Cost of a Road Trip from Caribou, Maine to Hubert, North Carolina Based on Current Gas Prices

Planning a road trip can be an exciting experience, but it can also be full of questions, uncertainties, and unknowns. One of the most important factors to consider is the cost of the trip, particularly when it comes to gas prices. In this article, we will explore the cost of a trip between Caribou, Maine, and Hubert, North Carolina, based on current gas prices. We will break down the different possible routes, highlighting the costs and distances of each one, and ultimately recommend the best route for your wallet.

Possible Routes

The first step in figuring out the cost of a trip is to determine the possible routes. There are multiple ways to drive from Caribou to Hubert, but the two most common routes are:

  1. Taking I-95 South: This is the most direct route, with a distance of 1,133 miles. You will follow I-95 South all the way through Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, and into North Carolina.

  2. Taking U.S. Route 1 and U.S. Route 17 South: This route is slightly longer, with a distance of 1,179 miles. You will drive through Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, and into North Carolina.

Both routes have their advantages and disadvantages in terms of scenery, traffic, and tolls, but for the purpose of this article, we will focus on the cost and distance of each one.

I-95 South

Taking I-95 South is the most direct route, and therefore the shortest in terms of distance. However, it also has more tolls and higher gas prices in certain states, particularly Connecticut and New York. To calculate the cost of this route, we will use a fuel cost calculator based on current gas prices (as of August 2021) from GasBuddy.com.

The average gas price in Maine is currently $3.09 per gallon, and the fuel cost calculator estimates that driving from Caribou to the start of I-95 South in Houlton will use around 1.5 gallons of gas, totaling $4.64. From there, the gas prices in the different states along I-95 South are:

  • New Hampshire: $3.04 per gallon
  • Massachusetts: $3.02 per gallon
  • Connecticut: $3.23 per gallon
  • New York: $3.13 per gallon
  • New Jersey: $3.13 per gallon
  • Pennsylvania: $3.08 per gallon
  • Maryland: $3.16 per gallon
  • Virginia: $3.00 per gallon
  • North Carolina: $2.96 per gallon

Assuming an average fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, the total gas cost for driving on I-95 South from Caribou to Hubert would be approximately $175.52, excluding any tolls or additional expenses.

U.S. Route 1 and U.S. Route 17 South

Taking U.S. Route 1 and U.S. Route 17 South is a slightly longer route, but it may have lower gas prices and fewer tolls. To calculate the cost of this route, we will again use the fuel cost calculator from GasBuddy.com.

From Caribou to the start of U.S. Route 1 in Houlton, the fuel cost would be the same as above. Then, the gas prices in the different states along U.S. Route 1 and U.S. Route 17 South are:

  • New Hampshire: $3.04 per gallon
  • Massachusetts: $3.02 per gallon
  • Rhode Island: $3.01 per gallon
  • Connecticut: $3.23 per gallon
  • New York: $3.13 per gallon
  • New Jersey: $3.13 per gallon
  • Delaware: $3.05 per gallon
  • Maryland: $3.16 per gallon
  • Virginia: $3.00 per gallon
  • North Carolina: $2.96 per gallon

Assuming the same fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, the total gas cost for driving on U.S. Route 1 and U.S. Route 17 South from Caribou to Hubert would be approximately $175.70, also excluding any tolls or additional expenses.

Recommendation

Based on the calculations above, there is not a significant difference in gas costs between taking I-95 South and U.S. Route 1 and U.S. Route 17 South. However, it is important to consider other factors such as the scenery, traffic, and tolls. Taking U.S. Route 1 and U.S. Route 17 South may be more scenic, while I-95 South may have more traffic and tolls. It is ultimately up to the individual to make a decision based on their preferences and priorities.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the cost of a road trip from Caribou, Maine to Hubert, North Carolina, based on current gas prices, will depend on the route taken and the gas prices in each state. Taking I-95 South or U.S. Route 1 and U.S. Route 17 South will both cost approximately $175 in gas, assuming an average fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon. However, it is important to factor in other expenses such as tolls, food, and accommodations, as well as other considerations such as the length of the trip and the preferred route. With careful planning and budgeting, a road trip from Caribou to Hubert can be both affordable and enjoyable.