The Cost of a Trip between Cartersville, Georgia and Canton, Georgia in Current Gas Prices
When planning a trip between two cities, determining the cost of the trip can be an essential factor in deciding which route to take. In Georgia, there are several ways to travel between Cartersville and Canton, with different distances and costs. In this article, we will explore the various possible routes between these two cities and analyze the expenses involved, based on current gas prices.
Possible Routes
There are three main routes to travel between Cartersville and Canton: Route 20, I-75, and I-575. Each route has its advantages and disadvantages, and the final decision will depend on various factors like the distance, time, traffic, and cost.
Route 20
Route 20 is the shortest route between the two cities, but it is not necessarily the fastest or the cheapest. The distance between Cartersville and Canton through Route 20 is around 20 miles, and the estimated travel time is 25-30 minutes. However, this route has one significant disadvantage: it is a two-lane highway with several traffic lights, making it prone to congestion during peak hours. Additionally, since it is a state highway, there are no tolls to pay, but the gas mileage could add up to the cost.
I-75
I-75 is part of the National Highway System and has several lanes, making it a fast and convenient route. The distance between Cartersville and Canton through I-75 is approximately 26 miles, and the estimated travel time is around 30-35 minutes. However, I-75 has its share of disadvantages, such as toll fees and traffic congestion during peak hours. The cost of a one-way toll on I-75's Northwest Extension is $1.50, and the gas mileage is higher than Route 20.
I-575
I-575 is a freeway that connects I-75 with the northern suburbs of Atlanta, including Canton. The distance between Cartersville and Canton through I-575 is approximately 32 miles, and the estimated travel time is around 35-40 minutes. I-575 can be useful during peak hours, as it has several lanes and a higher speed limit than Route 20. However, it has a toll section known as the Peach Pass lane, where the cost varies depending on the traffic. Additionally, since it is a major freeway, the gas mileage could be higher than the other two routes.
Cost Analysis
When calculating the cost of a trip, the factors to consider include the mileage, gas price, toll fees, traffic, and vehicle's gas mileage. According to AAA, the average gas price in Georgia is $2.79/gallon as of October 2021. Based on this, here are the estimated costs of each route for a round trip with a car that gets 25 miles per gallon:
- Route 20: 20 miles x 2 = 40 miles / 25 miles per gallon = 1.6 gallons x $2.79/gallon = $4.46
- I-75: 26 miles x 2 = 52 miles / 25 miles per gallon = 2.08 gallons x $2.79/gallon = $5.80 + $1.50 (one-way toll fee) = $7.30
- I-575: 32 miles x 2 = 64 miles / 25 miles per gallon = 2.56 gallons x $2.79/gallon = $7.14 + Peach Pass toll fee (varies depending on traffic)
Based on the cost analysis, Route 20 appears to be the cheapest option, with a total cost of $4.46 for a round trip. However, this route's downside is the possibility of traffic congestion and slower travel time. On the other hand, I-75 and I-575 have their advantages and disadvantages regarding time and cost. While I-75 has a definite toll fee, I-575 has variable toll fees, making it difficult to estimate the cost.
Recommendation
Considering the distance, cost, and traffic, the most recommended route between Cartersville and Canton is I-75. Although it has a definitive toll fee, it is faster than Route 20 and less prone to congestion than I-575. Additionally, the estimated cost for a round trip is reasonable, and the travel time is around 30-35 minutes. However, this recommendation is dependent on the driver's preferences and factors like traffic and time.
Conclusion
In conclusion, determining the cost of a trip between two cities in Georgia can be essential in deciding the best route to take. With the current gas prices, Route 20 appears to be the cheapest option, with an estimated total cost of $4.46 for a round trip. However, this route is susceptible to traffic congestion and slower travel time. I-75 and I-575 are viable alternatives, although they have definitive and variable toll fees, respectively. Ultimately, the best route depends on several factors, including the driver's preferences, traffic conditions, and time. For the best overall option, I-75 provides a balance of speed, cost, and convenience.