Road Tripping from Charleston to Emerald Isle: The Cost of Your Trip Based on Current Gas Prices

Are you planning a road trip from Charleston, South Carolina to Emerald Isle, North Carolina? If so, you're in for a fascinating journey filled with stunning landscapes and picturesque views. However, before you hit the road, it's essential to know the cost of the trip based on current gas prices. In this blog post, we'll break down the different routes, their distances, time, tolls, and the cost of each.

Route 1: I-40 E and Hwy 17 N

This 334-mile route is the shortest and most straightforward route to Emerald Isle. The starting point is Charleston, South Carolina, and the destination is Emerald Isle, North Carolina. The estimated driving time for this route is around 6 hours, depending on traffic conditions and stops taken.

Distances on Route 1

Total Distance: 334 miles

From Charleston to Wilmington: 176 miles

From Wilmington to Emerald Isle: 158 miles

Cost on Route 1

Gas price*: $2.50/gallon

Estimated fuel cost: $60

Toll cost*: Free

Route 2: Hwy 17 N and Hwy 24 E

This 388-mile route is the longest and most scenic route to Emerald Isle, covering various small coastal towns and villages along the way. The journey will take you through Myrtle Beach, SC, and the historic seaside town of Beaufort, NC.

Distances on Route 2

Total Distance: 388 miles

From Charleston to Myrtle Beach: 100 miles

From Myrtle Beach to Wilmington: 73 miles

From Wilmington to Beaufort: 91 miles

From Beaufort to Emerald Isle: 124 miles

Cost on Route 2

Gas price*: $2.50/gallon

Estimated fuel cost: $80

Toll cost*: Free

Conclusion

All things considered, the cost of driving from Charleston to Emerald Isle may vary depending on the route and other factors such as traffic, gasoline prices, and tolls. Route 1 is the shortest and straightforward but may get congested during peak hours. Route 2 is more scenic, but the additional miles add to the fuel cost and driving time. Ultimately, the choice of the route comes down to personal preference. Ensure to plan your trip accordingly, make some stops to stretch your legs, and enjoy the scenery.

*Gas prices and tolls were obtained from GasBuddy and Tollguru websites on July 1st, 2021. Please note that prices are subject to change.