The Cost of Driving From Charlotte, North Carolina to Plainfield, New Jersey

Planning a road trip from Charlotte, North Carolina to Plainfield, New Jersey? Great choice! Whether you're heading there for work or leisure, driving can be an enjoyable and cost-effective option. To help you budget for your journey, let's break down the cost of different routes based on the current gas prices.

Route 1: The Fast and Direct Route

If time efficiency is your top priority, taking I-85 N and I-95 N is your best bet. This route covers a distance of approximately 560 miles and takes around 9 hours of driving time. The cost of gas for this route, assuming an average fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon and a gas price of $2.50 per gallon, would be approximately $112.

Keep in mind that tolls are also part of the equation. On this route, you'll encounter two toll plazas. The first is the Fort McHenry Tunnel in Baltimore, which costs $4 for each passenger vehicle. The second is the Delaware Memorial Bridge, where you'll pay $5 for cars. So in total, you can expect to spend $9 on tolls.

Route 2: The Scenic and Economical Route

If you're in no rush and prefer a more scenic drive, consider taking US-29 N and I-78 E. While this option covers a longer distance of about 640 miles, the extra beauty along the way makes it worth the time. You should plan for around 11 hours of driving to complete this route.

As for the cost, assuming the same average fuel efficiency and gas price as before, the total cost of gas for this longer drive would be approximately $128.

In terms of tolls, your path using this route will include the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel, which costs $15 for passenger vehicles. So in addition to the gas expenses, you can expect to spend an additional $15 on tolls.

Route 3: The Middle Ground

Lastly, we have an alternative route that provides a compromise between time and distance. By taking I-77 N and I-76 E, you'll drive approximately 615 miles and can expect around 10.5 hours of travel time.

With the same fuel efficiency and gas price, this route would cost you approximately $123 in gas expenses alone.

Regarding tolls, you'll encounter a few along this route as well. Notable examples include the New River Gorge Bridge, which has a $2 toll for passenger vehicles, and the Pennsylvania Turnpike, where you'll need to budget for around $61 in tolls.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the cost of driving from Charlotte, North Carolina to Plainfield, New Jersey depends on the route you choose. If you prioritize speed, expect to spend around $112 on gas and $9 on tolls. For a more scenic option, you can expect to spend approximately $128 on gas and $15 on tolls. If you prefer a middle ground, be prepared to spend roughly $123 on gas and around $61 on tolls.

Remember, these estimates are based on current gas prices and may vary slightly depending on fluctuations in fuel costs and toll fees. Additionally, it's always a good practice to double-check for any updates on gas prices and tolls before embarking on your journey. Safe travels!