The Cost of Driving From Charlotte, North Carolina to Kings Mountain, North Carolina
Introduction
If you're planning a road trip from Charlotte, North Carolina to Kings Mountain, North Carolina, you're in for a treat! Not only will you get to enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way, but you'll also have the opportunity to explore charming towns and landmarks. However, before hitting the road, it's essential to consider the cost of driving, especially with fluctuating gas prices. In this blog post, we'll break down the different routes, their distances, travel times, and the estimated costs, so you can make the best decision for your trip.
Route 1: I-85 South
Heading south on I-85 is the most direct route from Charlotte to Kings Mountain, covering approximately 41 miles. This route often offers the shortest travel time due to its highway accessibility and relatively low congestion. The estimated travel time is around 45 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.
To calculate the cost of this route, we'll assume an average gas price of $2.50 per gallon. Since the average fuel efficiency for most vehicles is around 25 miles per gallon, you'll require approximately 1.64 gallons of gas for the trip. Therefore, the estimated fuel cost for this route would be around $4.10.
Route 2: US-74 West
If you prefer a more scenic drive, consider taking US-74 West, also known as the Kings Mountain Scenic Byway. This route covers approximately 33 miles, offering a slightly shorter distance than the I-85 South route. However, due to the road being less direct and sometimes more winding, the estimated travel time may be slightly longer, around 1 hour.
Considering the same average gas price of $2.50 per gallon, along with an average fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, you'll require approximately 1.32 gallons of gas for this trip. The estimated fuel cost for this route would be around $3.30.
Route 3: I-85 South and Shelby Bypass (via US-74)
For a combination of efficiency and a small-town feel, you can take a blend of I-85 South and the Shelby Bypass (via US-74). This route covers approximately 42 miles, almost identical to Route 1. However, the travel time may be slightly longer due to the varying speed limits and potential congestion around the town of Shelby. Anticipate a travel time of approximately 1 hour.
Using the same gas price and efficiency assumptions as before, you'll require approximately 1.68 gallons of gas for this trip, resulting in an estimated fuel cost of around $4.20.
Summing It Up
When it comes to driving from Charlotte to Kings Mountain, there are several options to choose from. The I-85 South route is the most direct, covering approximately 41 miles with an estimated travel time of 45 minutes. The cost of this route, based on our average gas price assumption of $2.50 per gallon, would be approximately $4.10.
If you prefer a more scenic drive, the US-74 West route is a fantastic choice, covering approximately 33 miles with an estimated travel time of 1 hour. The estimated cost for this route, following the same average gas price assumption, would be approximately $3.30.
Lastly, the hybrid route of I-85 South and the Shelby Bypass (via US-74) is another option to consider. Covering approximately 42 miles, this route may take around 1 hour. The estimated cost for this route would be approximately $4.20.
Ultimately, the choice of route will depend on your personal preferences, time constraints, and desire to explore different scenery along the way. Whichever route you choose, we hope this breakdown of distance, cost, and travel time has been helpful in planning your road trip adventure. Safe travels!