The Cost of a Road Trip between Charleston, SC and Jacksonville, NC

If you're thinking about road-tripping between South Carolina and North Carolina, it's essential to calculate the costs of the trip, including gas, tolls, and other expenses. With gas prices constantly fluctuating, preparing for a trip's costs can be a challenge. Therefore, we've broken down the costs and different routes you can take between Charleston, South Carolina, and Jacksonville, North Carolina.

The Possible Routes to Travel Between Charleston and Jacksonville

There are different routes that you can take when driving from Charleston to Jacksonville. Here are two possible routes with costs and distances:

Route 1: I-95 North

Distance: 309.7 miles
Tolls: $7
Time: Approx. 4 hours and 48 minutes
Gas Price: $2.56/gallon
Gas Cost: $50.09

If you choose to take I-95 North, this route will take you through Savannah and Richmond Hill in Georgia before crossing into South Carolina. The trip's highest points are the Combahee River, the Broad River, and the Savannah River. In South Carolina, you’ll pass through Yemassee, Walterboro, and Hardeeville before entering North Carolina.

The toll cost for this route is only $7 as you pass through Georgia on I-95. The tolls are for crossing the Savannah River Bridge. The gas cost is around $50, but this will increase or decrease depending on the type of car you have and the gas prices during the time of your trip.

Route 2: US-17 North

Distance: 337.5 miles
Tolls: $0
Time: Approx. 6 hours and 16 minutes
Gas Price: $2.56/gallon
Gas Cost: $56.15

An alternate route is US-17 North. This route takes you along the scenic coastal route offering views of wildlife, beaches, and coastal towns. You will pass through Brunswick and Darien in Georgia and into South Carolina through Beaufort, Port Royal, and downtown Charleston before entering into North Carolina.

The best part about taking US-17 North? You won't face any tolls. However, the cost of gas will be around $56.15. This route is longer than I-95 North and will take approximately six hours and sixteen minutes to complete.

Comparing the Costs and Distance of the Two Routes

Route 1 (I-95 North) is the shortest route, with the lowest gas cost and the lowest toll costs. On the other hand, Route 2 (US-17 North) is a longer route but is more scenic, has no tolls, and allows for more sightseeing. If you are on a budget, the I-95 route is more cost-efficient. However, if you have time and are looking for more scenic routes with attractions, the US-17 route is ideal.

Recommendations for the Best Route to take from Charleston to Jacksonville

Deciding which route to take solely depends on your preference. If you’re looking to save some cash, then the I-95 route is perfect. If you are traveling with family or friends and want more time to sightsee, then the US-17 North is the best choice.

However, if you're looking for a balance between cost-saving and sightseeing, we recommend taking Route 1 (I-95 North) for the following reasons:

The route is shorter, which means you'll spend less time on the road and for long journeys, this is an important factor.
The cost is lower, allowing you to save a few bucks for other necessities during your vacation.
There are few stops compared to US-17 North.
The gas expense is lower, making this route more attractive to budget-conscious travelers.

The Conclusion: Charm of the Road Trip from Charleston to Jacksonville

The road trip from Charleston, South Carolina, to Jacksonville, North Carolina, may not be the most exciting, but it's an experience worth undertaking. Depending on the route you take, you can save money, enjoy scenic views, or explore attractions en route. However, we recommend taking I-95 North, as it is the shorter and more cost-efficient route. It takes approximately four hours forty-eight minutes to complete and offers unique viewpoints of South Carolina and Georgia. Happy travels!