The Cost of Driving From Charlotte, NC to Destin, FL Based on Current Gas Prices
Planning a road trip from Charlotte, North Carolina to the picturesque beaches of Destin, Florida? Before hitting the road, it's important to consider the cost of driving. In this blog post, we'll explore different routes, along with their distances, travel times, and, most importantly, the costs associated with each route.
Route 1: The I-85 and I-65 South
The first route we'll consider is taking Interstate 85 (I-85) and then joining Interstate 65 (I-65) South. This is the most direct and commonly traveled route, spanning approximately 670 miles. With a reasonable driving pace and few stops, you can expect to complete this journey in around 10-11 hours.
Gas prices can vary along the way, so let's assume the average current price is $3.00 per gallon. With an average fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, you would require 26.8 gallons of gasoline for this route. Therefore, the estimated fuel cost for this route would be approximately $80, one way.
In addition to fuel costs, tolls may also be a factor. On this route, the most notable toll is the Florida Turnpike. Plan on spending approximately $20 on tolls for this leg of the trip.
Route 2: The I-77 and I-85 South
If you prefer a route that avoids traveling through Atlanta, Georgia, you might consider taking Interstate 77 (I-77) followed by I-85 South. Though longer than Route 1, this alternative provides scenic views and avoids the hustle and bustle of downtown Atlanta.
This route spans approximately 700 miles and can be completed in around 11-12 hours, depending on traffic and your travel pace.
Using the same average gas price and fuel efficiency as mentioned in Route 1, you would need approximately 28 gallons of gas, resulting in an estimated fuel cost of around $84 for one-way travel.
When it comes to tolls, this route does not have any significant toll roads, so you can save some money there!
Route 3: The I-20 and I-10 South
For those who enjoy a more scenic and diverse road trip experience, consider taking Interstate 20 (I-20) followed by Interstate 10 (I-10) South. This longer route offers diverse landscapes, including parts of the Appalachian Mountains and the Gulf Coast, making the journey part of the adventure.
Spanning approximately 800 miles, this route requires a bit more time to complete. Expect to spend around 13-14 hours on the road.
Using the same average gas price and fuel efficiency as before, you would need approximately 32 gallons of gas, resulting in an estimated fuel cost of around $96 for one-way travel.
Just like Route 2, this alternative also does not include any major tolls along the way, saving you even more money!
Conclusion
When planning your road trip from Charlotte, NC to Destin, FL, it's essential to consider the cost of driving. Using the average gas price and assuming an average fuel efficiency, we've highlighted three different routes.
- Route 1 (I-85 and I-65 South) spans approximately 670 miles and costs around $80 in fuel, plus $20 in tolls.
- Route 2 (I-77 and I-85 South) covers approximately 700 miles and costs around $84 in fuel, with no significant tolls.
- Route 3 (I-20 and I-10 South) extends approximately 800 miles and costs around $96 in fuel, with no significant tolls.
Ultimately, the route you choose will depend on your preferences for scenery, time, and cost. Safe travels, and enjoy your trip from the charming streets of Charlotte to the beautiful beaches of Destin!