The Cost of a Trip Between Concord, North Carolina and Alexandria, Louisiana

When considering a road trip from Concord, North Carolina to Alexandria, Louisiana, it's important to factor in the cost of the trip, particularly in terms of gas prices. With gas prices constantly fluctuating, it's crucial to plan ahead and choose the most cost-efficient route for your journey. 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.

Possible Routes

Route 1: I-85 S and I-20 W

This route takes you through Charlotte, NC, and Atlanta, GA before reaching Alexandria, LA. The total distance is approximately 825 miles and the estimated gas cost for a car with an average fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon (mpg) is $115, based on the current average gas price of $2.75 per gallon.

Route 2: I-85 S and I-49 S

This route also begins on I-85 S but then veers onto I-49 S in Shreveport, LA before reaching Alexandria. The total distance is about 835 miles and the estimated gas cost is the same as Route 1, at $115.

Route 3: I-77 S and I-20 W

For this route, you'll take I-77 S through Columbia, SC before merging onto I-20 W in Columbia, GA. The total distance is approximately 810 miles with an estimated gas cost of $112.

Route 4: US-321 S and I-20 W

This alternative route takes you through Gastonia, NC on US-321 S before merging onto I-20 W in Columbia, SC. The total distance is slightly shorter at 800 miles, with an estimated gas cost of $110.

Recommended Route

Based on the current gas prices and the total distance, Route 4 (US-321 S and I-20 W) is the most cost-efficient option for the road trip from Concord, NC to Alexandria, LA. Not only is it the shortest route in terms of distance, but it also offers a slightly lower estimated gas cost compared to the other routes.

Choosing this route not only saves you money on gas but also reduces the overall wear and tear on your vehicle. Additionally, the scenic drive through the countryside of North Carolina and South Carolina before reaching the highways can add enjoyment to your trip.

Conclusion

In conclusion, by selecting Route 4 (US-321 S and I-20 W), you can expect to spend around $110 on gas for the entire trip from Concord, NC to Alexandria, LA. With a total distance of 800 miles, the journey will take approximately 12-13 hours, depending on factors such as traffic and rest stops. By planning ahead and choosing the most cost-efficient route, you can make the most of your road trip experience while keeping expenses in check. Happy travels!