Driving Cost from Chattanooga, Tennessee to Columbia, South Carolina

A picture depicting a gas pump

Driving From Chattanooga to Columbia: The Cost of the Trip Based on Current Gas Prices

Are you planning a road trip from Chattanooga, Tennessee to Columbia, South Carolina? Knowing the cost of your journey can help you budget accordingly. In this blog post, we will explore different routes, their distances, travel times, and the cost of each route. Let's get started!

Route 1: I-75 S and I-20 E

The first route we'll discuss is taking Interstate 75 South and then transitioning onto Interstate 20 East. This is the most direct route, covering a distance of 302 miles. With an estimated travel time of around 4 hours and 30 minutes, it's a relatively quick option.

To calculate the cost of this trip, let's assume the current gas price is $3 per gallon. Keeping in mind that the average vehicle gets around 25 miles per gallon on highways, the total cost for this route can be approximated as follows:

  • Gas cost: 302 miles / 25 miles per gallon * $3 per gallon = $36.24.

It's essential to check for any tolls along the route; however, this particular route doesn't require passing through any toll booths. Hence, you can enjoy a toll-free journey!

Route 2: I-75 S and I-26 E

Our second option takes us through Interstate 75 South and then onto Interstate 26 East. This route is slightly longer, covering a distance of approximately 326 miles. The additional distance results in a longer travel time of about 4 hours and 45 minutes.

Using the same gas price of $3 per gallon, we can calculate the cost of this alternative route:

  • Gas cost: 326 miles / 25 miles per gallon * $3 per gallon = $39.36.

Similar to Route 1, there are no toll booths along this route, making it another toll-free option.

Route 3: US-76 E, I-441 S, and I-20 E

Finally, let's explore Route 3, which takes us along US-76 East, I-441 South, and ultimately I-20 East. This route covers a distance of approximately 351 miles, making it the longest route of the three. The travel time for this option is estimated to be around 5 hours.

With the same gas price of $3 per gallon, let's calculate the cost for Route 3:

  • Gas cost: 351 miles / 25 miles per gallon * $3 per gallon = $42.48.

While this route provides beautiful scenery, it's crucial to note that you'll encounter some tolls along the way. The total estimated toll cost comes to approximately $5, making the overall cost of Route 3 around $47.48.

Conclusion

Now that we've examined three different routes from Chattanooga to Columbia, let's summarize the distance, travel time, and costs for each option:

  1. Route 1 - I-75 S and I-20 E:

    • Distance: 302 miles
    • Travel Time: Approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes
    • Cost: $36.24 (no tolls)

  2. Route 2 - I-75 S and I-26 E:

    • Distance: 326 miles
    • Travel Time: Approximately 4 hours and 45 minutes
    • Cost: $39.36 (no tolls)

  3. Route 3 - US-76 E, I-441 S, and I-20 E:

    • Distance: 351 miles
    • Travel Time: Approximately 5 hours
    • Cost: $47.48 (includes $5 in tolls)

Now armed with these details, you can choose the route that best fits your preferences and budget. Safe travels and enjoy your journey from Chattanooga to Columbia!