Driving Cost from Dover, Delaware to Jacksonville, Florida

A picture depicting a gas pump

The Cost of Driving from Dover, Delaware to Jacksonville, Florida: A Budget-Friendly Guide Based on Current Gas Prices

Planning a road trip from Dover, Delaware, to Jacksonville, Florida? You’re in for quite the adventure! Not only does this journey offer scenic views and interesting stops along the way, but understanding the cost associated with it will help you budget better. Here, we'll explore different routes, the distances involved, travel times, and potential costs, factoring in current gas prices and tolls.

Route 1: I-95 South

Starting your drive via the I-95 South is one of the most direct routes available.

  • Distance: About 900 miles
  • Time: Approximately 13 hours without traffic
  • Gas Price: As of now, the average gas price sits at $3.50 per gallon. Assuming your car averages 25 miles per gallon, you'll use around 36 gallons of gas, which translates to around $126.
  • Tolls: Keep in mind that this route does have some tolls, particularly through the Delaware Memorial Bridge and further down in Virginia. Expect to pay about $30 in tolls.

In total, this route would cost:

  • Total Cost: $156 for gas and tolls combined.

Route 2: I-64 and I-95

If you'd like to experience a more scenic drive, consider taking the I-64 route, connecting to the I-95 South. This route isn’t just about getting from point A to point B; it allows for some beautiful views.

  • Distance: Around 950 miles
  • Time: Expect to spend about 14 hours on the road
  • Gas Price: Sticking with the average of $3.50 per gallon and a vehicle efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, you would need about 38 gallons of gas, costing approximately $133.
  • Tolls: This route has fewer tolls, but you may encounter charges in some areas, estimating around $20 in tolls.

The total cost for this route sums up to:

  • Total Cost: $153 when you factor in both gas and tolls.

Route 3: I-75 via Atlanta

For those who prefer to avoid the bulk of the East Coast traffic, driving through Atlanta may be more your style. This route stretches a bit further but can be worth it for smoother journeys.

  • Distance: Approximately 1,000 miles
  • Time: Roughly 15 hours on the road
  • Gas Price: Following the current gas price of $3.50 per gallon and with a fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, you will use around 40 gallons, costing about $140.
  • Tolls: This route has minimal tolls, with around $10 expected for some areas.

In total, this route would cost you:

  • Total Cost: $150 including gas and tolls.

Conclusion

As you can see, driving from Dover, Delaware, to Jacksonville, Florida, can range in cost depending on the route you choose. The I-95 South offers a quick but slightly toll-heavy option, while the I-64 route provides a beautiful journey at nearly the same cost. Lastly, the I-75 option, while longer, has its own merits.

Whichever route you decide on, think about packing snacks, downloading your favorite playlists, and making the most of your time on the road. Safe travels!