Driving Cost from Chapel Hill, North Carolina to Hot Springs, North Carolina

A picture depicting a gas pump

The Cost of Driving From Chapel Hill, NC to Hot Springs, NC

Ready for a road trip from Chapel Hill to Hot Springs, North Carolina? Whether you're looking for a change of scenery or an opportunity to explore the great outdoors, this drive offers plenty of beautiful views and fun activities along the way. Let's take a closer look at the different routes, distances, times, and costs of each option based on current gas prices.

Route 1: Via I-40 W

Distance: 180 miles Time: Approx. 3 hours Cost: $40+

This route takes you via I-40 W, starting in Chapel Hill and ending in Hot Springs, NC. While it's the most direct route, there are also several tolls along the way. These include:

  • Triangle Expressway (tolls vary based on time of day and vehicle type)
  • Piedmont Triad Expressway ($1.35)
  • Forsyth County Gateway Loop ($1.00)
  • West Beltway ($1.00)

In addition to tolls, you'll need to account for gas prices. As of August 2021, the average gas price in North Carolina is $2.87 per gallon. With an estimated fuel economy of 24 miles per gallon for a mid-size car, you can expect to pay around $32 for gas.

Route 2: Via US-501 N and NC-209 N

Distance: 195 miles Time: Approx. 4 hours Cost: $30+

This route takes you through small towns and scenic routes, offering a glimpse of North Carolina's beautiful countryside. You'll head north via US-501 and then turn onto NC-209 until you reach Hot Springs. This route doesn't have any tolls but does entail driving on smaller, winding roads. You'll need to plan for additional time and, potentially, delays depending on the season.

Since it's a longer route, you'll likely need to fill up your gas tank more than once. With a distance of almost 200 miles and an estimated fuel economy of 24 miles per gallon, you can expect to spend around $27 on gas with the current average fuel price.

Route 3: Via US-70 W and NC-209 N

Distance: 203 miles Time: Approx. 4.5 hours Cost: $35+

This route takes you through more cities compared to Route 2. You'll head west via US-70 W before turning onto NC-209, which will take you directly to Hot Springs. This route also has no tolls, but it does involve driving on a mix of highways and winding roads.

Due to the distance, you'll likely need to fill up your gas tank more than once. With an estimated fuel economy of 24 miles per gallon and the current gas prices in North Carolina, you can expect to pay about $32 for gas.

Final Thoughts

When planning your road trip from Chapel Hill to Hot Springs, NC, it's important to realize that there are different routes to choose from. Depending on your travel preferences, budget, and timeline, one option may be more suitable than others. While gas prices and toll fees contribute to the overall cost of the trip, it's also important to plan for food, lodging, and entertainment expenses. So, pack your bags, fill up your car, and hit the road for a memorable adventure through the beautiful North Carolina scenery!