Driving Cost from Charleston, West Virginia to Indian Trail, North Carolina

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The Cost of a Road Trip between Charleston, WV and Indian Trail, NC at Current Gas Prices

Taking a road trip can be a great way to explore new places, spend quality time with loved ones, and make new memories. However, before hitting the road, it is essential to budget for the cost of the trip. One crucial expense that can significantly impact your road trip’s overall cost is fuel. In this article, we will explore the cost of a road trip between Charleston, West Virginia, and Indian Trail, North Carolina, based on current gas prices.

Possible Routes and Distances

There are different routes you can take to get from Charleston, WV, to Indian Trail, NC. The most common routes include:

Route 1 - Via I-77 S

  • Distance: 287 miles
  • Estimated travel time: 4 hours and 25 minutes

This route involves taking I-77 S from Charleston, WV, and then merging onto I-485 E to Indian Trail, NC.

Route 2 - Via I-64 E and I-77 S

  • Distance: 307 miles
  • Estimated travel time: 4 hours and 40 minutes

This route involves taking I-64 E from Charleston, WV, and then merging onto I-77 S to Indian Trail, NC.

Route 3 - Via I-77 S and I-85 N

  • Distance: 315 miles
  • Estimated travel time: 4 hours and 55 minutes

This route involves taking I-77 S from Charleston, WV, and then merging onto I-85 N to Indian Trail, NC.

Fuel Cost

The cost of fuel is a significant consideration when planning a road trip. The following are estimated fuel costs based on the average gas prices as of September 2021.

  • The current average gas price in West Virginia is $3.07 per gallon.
  • The current average gas price in North Carolina is $2.93 per gallon.

Route 1 - Via I-77 S

The distance of this route is 287 miles. If your vehicle has an average fuel efficiency of 28 miles per gallon (mpg), you would need approximately 10.25 gallons of gas, costing around $31.43.

Route 2 - Via I-64 E and I-77 S

The distance of this route is 307 miles. If your vehicle has an average fuel efficiency of 28 mpg, you would need approximately 10.96 gallons of gas, costing around $33.62.

Route 3 - Via I-77 S and I-85 N

The distance of this route is 315 miles. If your vehicle has an average fuel efficiency of 28 mpg, you would need approximately 11.25 gallons of gas, costing around $34.92.

Recommendation

Based on the above estimates, it is evident that the cheapest route in terms of fuel cost is Route 1, via I-77 S. The reason for this is that it is the shortest distance, which requires fewer gallons of gas. Additionally, taking Route 1 is a good choice as it is also the quickest route, with an estimated travel time of 4 hours and 25 minutes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a road trip from Charleston, WV, to Indian Trail, NC, can be a fun and exciting adventure. However, before hitting the road, it is essential to budget for fuel costs to avoid any financial surprises. Based on the current fuel prices, we recommend taking Route 1, which is the shortest and cheapest route, with an estimated fuel cost of around $31.43. Overall, the estimated travel time is around 4 hours and 25 minutes, making it an ideal route for those who value economy and speed.