The Cost of a Trip between Cary and Clayton: Navigating Gas Prices

As anyone planning a road trip can tell you, calculating the cost of your trip is almost as important as deciding where to go. One key factor in this cost is gas prices, which can fluctuate wildly depending on the time of year and location. This article will explore the cost of a trip between two North Carolina cities, Cary and Clayton, with a focus on gas prices and the best routes.

The Distance between Cary and Clayton

Before we start discussing gas prices and routes, let’s take a look at the distance between these two cities. According to Google Maps, the shortest distance between Cary and Clayton is 16.3 miles, with an estimated driving time of 24 minutes. Keep in mind that this is just an estimate, and traffic conditions could make your trip longer. Also, note that this distance is one-way, so you may want to double it if you’re planning a round trip.

The Cost of Gasoline in Cary and Clayton

Gasoline prices are notoriously difficult to predict, and where you buy your gas can have a big impact on the price you pay. As of September 2021, the average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline in Cary was $2.92, while in Clayton, it was slightly lower at $2.82. These prices are subject to change, so it’s best to check for the most up-to-date prices before you hit the road.

Possible Routes between Cary and Clayton

There are several routes you could take to travel between Cary and Clayton, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Here are some of the most popular routes:

Route 1: Taking US-70 E

One of the most direct routes between Cary and Clayton is taking US-70 E. This route starts in Clayton and takes you through Garner before reaching Cary. According to Google Maps, this route covers 19.3 miles and takes an estimated 29 minutes to drive. Keep in mind that traffic conditions could make your trip take longer.

Route 2: Taking NC-42 E

Another possible route is taking NC-42 E. This route starts in Clayton and takes you through Willow Spring and Fuquay-Varina before reaching Cary. According to Google Maps, this route covers 21.7 miles and takes an estimated 29 minutes to drive. This route is slightly longer than Route 1, but it may offer less traffic during rush hour.

Route 3: Taking I-40 W

Taking I-40 W is a longer route that will take you through some different parts of North Carolina. This route starts in Cary and takes you through Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill before reaching Clayton. According to Google Maps, this route covers 35.2 miles and takes an estimated 40 minutes to drive. While this route is longer, it may offer more scenic views and less traffic compared to the previous routes.

Route 4: Taking I-440 E and I-40 E

A fourth possible route is taking I-440 E and I-40 E. This route starts in Cary and takes you through Raleigh before reaching Clayton. According to Google Maps, this route covers 26.3 miles and takes an estimated 35 minutes to drive. This route is longer than Route 1 but may offer less traffic during peak hours.

The Cost of a Trip between Cary and Clayton

Now that we’ve discussed some different routes, let’s take a look at the cost of a trip between Cary and Clayton. To do this, we’ll assume an average car fuel economy of 25 miles per gallon and calculate the number of gallons of gasoline you’ll need for each route.

Route 1: Taking US-70 E

To drive from Clayton to Cary on US-70 E, you’d need to cover 19.3 miles. Assuming your car gets 25 miles per gallon, you’d need 0.77 gallons of gasoline. At the average gas price in Clayton ($2.82 per gallon), this route would cost you approximately $2.17 in gasoline.

Route 2: Taking NC-42 E

To drive from Clayton to Cary on NC-42 E, you’d need to cover 21.7 miles. Assuming your car gets 25 miles per gallon, you’d need 0.87 gallons of gasoline. At the average gas price in Clayton ($2.82 per gallon), this route would cost you approximately $2.45 in gasoline.

Route 3: Taking I-40 W

To drive from Cary to Clayton on I-40 W, you’d need to cover 35.2 miles. Assuming your car gets 25 miles per gallon, you’d need 1.41 gallons of gasoline. At the average gas price in Cary ($2.92 per gallon), this route would cost you approximately $4.12 in gasoline.

Route 4: Taking I-440 E and I-40 E

To drive from Cary to Clayton on I-440 E and I-40 E, you’d need to cover 26.3 miles. Assuming your car gets 25 miles per gallon, you’d need 1.05 gallons of gasoline. At the average gas price in Cary ($2.92 per gallon), this route would cost you approximately $3.06 in gasoline.

Which Route Is Best for Your Trip?

As you can see, the cost of your trip between Cary and Clayton will depend on the route you take. Route 1 is the shortest and cheapest, while Route 3 is the longest and most expensive. Routes 2 and 4 fall somewhere in between.

So which route is best for your trip? It depends on your priorities. If you want to get to your destination as fast as possible, Route 1 is the best choice. If you’d like to avoid traffic and see some different parts of North Carolina, Route 3 may be worth the extra time and money. Routes 2 and 4 may be good compromises if you’re looking for something in between.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the cost of a trip between Cary and Clayton will vary depending on gas prices and the route you take. By calculating the distance, gasoline usage, and average gas prices along each route, you can get a good idea of how much your trip will cost. Once you’ve determined your priorities for the trip, you can decide which route is best for you. Whether you choose the shortest or longest route, you’re sure to enjoy the scenic views and North Carolina hospitality along the way.