The Cost of Driving From Dover, Delaware to Durham, North Carolina: Navigating Your Wallet on the Road
Planning a road trip from Dover, Delaware to Durham, North Carolina? Whether you're heading down for a family visit, a vacation, or a business trip, knowing the cost of your journey can help you budget better. Let’s break down some popular routes, the distance, travel time, and costs associated with gas and tolls, especially considering the current gas prices in 2023.
Route 1: The I-95 and I-64 Route
Starting with the most straightforward path, the first option takes you via I-95 S and I-64 W.
- Distance: Approximately 450 miles
- Time: Roughly 7 hours without accounting for breaks or traffic.
Now, let's consider fuel costs. As of October 2023, the average gas price in Delaware is around $3.25 per gallon. Assuming your vehicle gets about 25 miles per gallon, you’ll use about 18 gallons of gas. This brings your fuel cost to:
Cost of Gas: 18 gallons × $3.25 = $58.50
On this route, you also have about $30 in tolls on I-95, which brings your total cost for this route to:
Total Cost: $88.50 for fuel and tolls.
Route 2: The I-295 and I-85 Option
Another alternative is to take I-295 S and then merge onto I-85 S. This route is a bit longer but offers a scenic drive.
- Distance: Approximately 470 miles
- Time: Around 7.5 hours with no significant stops.
With the same gas price assumptions, your vehicle will consume roughly 19 gallons of gas. Therefore, the fuel cost will be:
Cost of Gas: 19 gallons × $3.25 = $61.75
You should also factor in tolls, which may be around $15 on this route. Thus, your total cost for Route 2 sums up to:
Total Cost: $76.75 for fuel and tolls.
Route 3: The Scenic Backroads Adventure
For those who prefer a leisurely drive with beautiful scenery, consider taking some backroads that might take a bit longer but offer a richer experience.
- Distance: Approximately 500 miles
- Time: About 8 hours, perfect for stretched-out road adventure.
This time, you'll be looking at around 20 gallons of gas. Based on current prices, this would add up to:
Cost of Gas: 20 gallons × $3.25 = $65.00
Tolls will be minimal on this route, usually around $10. Therefore, your total driving cost for this picturesque journey would be:
Total Cost: $75.00 for fuel and tolls.
Wrapping It Up
No matter which route you take, your trip from Dover to Durham can be an enjoyable experience with a little planning. Currently, you can expect to spend between $75.00 to $88.50 on gas and tolls depending on the path you choose. So, buckle up, hit the road, and enjoy the views along the way. Happy travels!