The Cost of a Trip between Columbia, Missouri and Charleston, South Carolina: Calculating the Cost Based on Current Gas Prices

When planning a trip from Columbia, Missouri to Charleston, South Carolina, one of the key considerations is the cost of transportation. With fluctuating gas prices and multiple route options, it’s important to calculate the expense and distance of each route to make an informed decision. In this article, we will explore the different possible routes, highlight the cost and distance of each one, and recommend the best route based on current gas prices.

Route Options and Cost Analysis

Route 1: I-70 E to I-64 E

One of the most direct routes from Columbia, Missouri to Charleston, South Carolina is to take I-70 East and then switch to I-64 East at the appropriate junction. This route covers approximately 850 miles and takes around 12 hours to drive without factoring in stops. Based on the current average gas price of $2.75 per gallon, a vehicle with an average fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon (mpg) would require 34 gallons of gas for the trip, resulting in a total cost of $93.5 for one-way travel.

Route 2: I-44 E to I-65 S to I-20 E

Another route option is to take I-44 East and then switch to I-65 South before eventually merging onto I-20 East towards Charleston. This route spans approximately 950 miles and takes around 13 hours to drive without accounting for stops. Given the current average gas price of $2.75 per gallon, a vehicle with an average fuel efficiency of 25 mpg would need approximately 38 gallons of gas for the trip, totaling approximately $104.5 for one-way travel.

Route 3: US-50 E to I-77 S

For those looking for a more scenic route, US-50 East connects to I-77 South, providing an alternative path from Columbia, Missouri to Charleston, South Carolina. This route covers around 920 miles and takes roughly 13 hours to drive without including stops. Considering the current average gas price of $2.75 per gallon, a vehicle with an average fuel efficiency of 25 mpg would use approximately 37 gallons of gas for the trip, resulting in a total cost of approximately $101.75 for one-way travel.

Recommended Route

Based on the cost and distance analysis of the route options, taking I-70 East to I-64 East emerges as the most cost-effective and efficient route from Columbia, Missouri to Charleston, South Carolina. With a total travel cost of $93.5 and a distance of around 850 miles, this route offers a balance between affordability and reasonable travel time.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the most cost-effective route from Columbia, Missouri to Charleston, South Carolina is to take I-70 East to I-64 East, offering a balance between affordability and efficiency. With a total travel cost of $93.5 based on the current average gas price and a distance of approximately 850 miles, this route allows for a relatively straightforward and budget-friendly journey. Keep in mind that these calculations are based on average gas prices and fuel efficiency, which may vary. Safe travels!