Driving Cost from Cary, North Carolina to Gainesville, Virginia

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The Cost of a Road Trip between Cary, NC and Gainesville, VA Based on Current Gas Prices

Are you planning a road trip from Cary, NC to Gainesville, VA? The distance between these two cities is about 360 miles or 580 kilometers, depending on the route you choose. Whether you're driving for business or leisure, it's essential to calculate the cost of your trip, including fuel expenses, tolls, and other factors that may affect your budget. In this article, we'll explore the different possible routes and highlight the cost and distance of each one. We'll also recommend the best route and provide an overview of how long the trip may take.

Route Options and Mileage

There are several route options to get from Cary, NC to Gainesville, VA, but the most common ones are:

  • VIA I-95N: This route is the most direct one, covering around 360 miles or 580 kilometers. It takes you through Richmond, VA, and Washington, DC.

  • VIA I-85N: This route is slightly longer, covering about 380 miles or 610 kilometers. It takes you through Durham, NC, and Lynchburg, VA, before reaching Gainesville.

  • VIA US-1N and I-95N: This route is also about 380 miles or 610 kilometers long. It takes you through Raleigh, NC, and Richmond, VA, before reaching Gainesville.

  • VIA US-15N and US-29N: This route is the longest, covering roughly 430 miles or 690 kilometers. It takes you through Durham, NC, and Charlottesville, VA before reaching Gainesville.

Fuel Expenses

When planning a road trip, one of the essential elements to factor in is fuel expenses. Gas prices vary by location and time, and the cost of fuel can fluctuate dramatically throughout the year. As of June 2021, gas prices in North Carolina and Virginia hover around $2.70 per gallon. Let's calculate the approximate fuel expenses for each route option based on the average fuel economy of a mid-sized sedan, 25 miles per gallon (MPG).

  • VIA I-95N: Considering the distance of 360 miles, you'll need around 14.4 gallons of fuel for a one-way trip, costing approximately $38.88. For a round trip, you'll need twice that amount, totaling around $77.76.

  • VIA I-85N: Considering the distance of 380 miles and assuming the same fuel economy, you'll need around 15.2 gallons of fuel for a one-way trip, costing approximately $40.94. For a round trip, you'll need twice that amount, totaling around $81.88.

  • VIA US-1N and I-95N: This route is similar to the previous one, covering the same distance as VIA I-85N. You'll need around 15.2 gallons of fuel for a one-way trip, costing approximately $40.94. For a round trip, you'll need twice that amount, totaling around $81.88.

  • VIA US-15N and US-29N: Considering the distance of 430 miles, you'll need around 17.2 gallons of fuel for a one-way trip, costing approximately $46.44. For a round trip, you'll need twice that amount, totaling around $92.88.

Tolls

Another factor to consider when planning a road trip is tolls. Depending on the route you choose, you may have to pay for tolls to cross certain bridges or highways. Let's see which routes include tolls and how much they cost.

  • VIA I-95N: This route doesn't involve any significant tolls, but there may be some minor tolls along the way. You can expect to pay around $5-$10 in total for one-way tolls.

  • VIA I-85N: This route doesn't involve any significant tolls, but there may be some minor tolls along the way. You can expect to pay around $5-$10 in total for one-way tolls.

  • VIA US-1N and I-95N: This route doesn't involve any significant tolls, but there may be some minor tolls along the way. You can expect to pay around $5-$10 in total for one-way tolls.

  • VIA US-15N and US-29N: This route may involve some tolls, depending on the specific highways you take. For example, if you take VA-267, you'll have to pay a toll of around $4.75 for the Dulles Greenway. Similarly, if you take VA-30, you'll have to pay a toll of around $5.50 for the Powhite Parkway. Overall, you can expect to pay around $15-$20 in total for one-way tolls.

Best Route

Based on the factors we've discussed so far, the best route from Cary, NC to Gainesville, VA, is VIA I-95N. This route is the most direct one, which means you'll save time and fuel expenses compared to other routes. Additionally, VIA I-95N doesn't involve any significant tolls, making it a cost-effective option for your road trip.

However, if you want to avoid highways and enjoy scenic routes, VIA US-15N and US-29N may be a good option for you. Keep in mind that this route is longer and may involve more tolls, so you'll need to factor in those expenses as well.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a road trip from Cary, NC to Gainesville, VA, can cost anywhere from $40 to $100 or more, depending on the route you choose and the factors you consider. The most cost-effective route is VIA I-95N, which doesn't involve significant tolls and is the most direct option. However, if you prefer to take scenic routes and have more time to spare, VIA US-15N and US-29N may be a good option for you. Whichever route you choose, make sure to factor in fuel expenses, tolls, and other factors that may affect your budget. Overall, the trip may take around six hours, depending on traffic and other factors.