The Cost of a Trip Between Charleston and Darlington

Traveling by road is a popular way to get around South Carolina, and for many people, the cost of gas is a significant factor when planning a trip. Whether you're going on a road trip or visiting family, there are certain costs to consider when traveling between Charleston and Darlington, both in terms of distance and gasoline.

Route Options

When traveling from Charleston to Darlington, you have several route options. Each one has its own distance and gas cost, so it's important to factor in these variables when planning your trip and budgeting for expenses.

The most direct route between Charleston and Darlington is to take I-26 west to I-95 north, which takes you straight to Darlington. This route covers a distance of around 90 miles and takes approximately an hour and a half to travel.

Another option is to take I-26 west to I-20 east, which takes you through Columbia before joining up with I-95 north to take you to Darlington. This route covers a distance of approximately 130 miles and takes around two and a half hours to complete.

A third option is to take US-52 north from Charleston to I-20 east before joining up with I-95 north to take you to Darlington. This route covers a distance of about 120 miles and takes around two and a half hours to travel.

In terms of distance and time, the most direct route is the shortest and fastest trip. However, each of these routes has its own gas cost, which can add up depending on your vehicle's fuel efficiency.

Gas Costs

The cost of gas plays a significant role in the overall cost of your trip. The amount you spend on gas will depend on the current gas prices and your vehicle's fuel efficiency. Gas prices generally fluctuate, so it's important to check the prices before heading out on your trip to get an idea of what you can expect to spend.

As of August 2021, according to GasBuddy, the average gas price in South Carolina is around $2.80 per gallon. If your vehicle gets 25 miles to the gallon, you can roughly calculate how much you'll spend on gas by dividing the total miles of your trip by 25 and then multiply that number by the current gas price.

For example, for the most direct route from Charleston to Darlington, which covers around 90 miles, you would need around 3.2 gallons of gas. At the current gas price of $2.80 per gallon, you'd expect to spend around $8.96 on gas for this trip.

Using the same math, if you take the I-26 west to I-20 east route, which covers around 130 miles, you would need around 5.2 gallons of gas. At the current gas price of $2.80 per gallon, you'd expect to spend around $14.56 on gas for this trip.

Taking the US-52 north route to I-20 east before joining up with I-95 north, which covers around 120 miles, you would need around 4.8 gallons of gas. At the current gas price of $2.80 per gallon, you'd expect to spend around $13.44 on gas for this trip.

Recommendations

Based on the distance and gas cost, the most direct route from Charleston to Darlington via I-26 west to I-95 north is the best route in terms of convenience and cost. However, if you're looking for a scenic route, the I-26 west to I-20 east route through Columbia offers some beautiful views and is worth exploring.

It's important to note that gas prices may change, so be sure to check current prices before setting out on your trip. In addition, consider the fuel efficiency of your vehicle, as it can greatly impact the cost of your travel.

Conclusion

Traveling from Charleston to Darlington by car is a relatively short and straightforward trip. Depending on the route you choose, the distance and gas cost can vary. The most direct route via I-26 west to I-95 north is the most convenient and cost-effective option, but the route through Columbia offers beautiful scenery for those looking for a more scenic drive.

Overall, it can cost around $9-$14 for gas, and it should take you around an hour and a half to complete the most direct route between Charleston and Darlington. By considering the distance, gas cost, and the time it takes to complete, you can make an informed decision on the best route for your needs.