Calculating the Cost of a Road Trip from Dover, New Hampshire to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee: A Look at Routes and Gas Prices

Planning a road trip can be an exciting adventure, but it also requires a careful consideration of costs, especially when it comes to fuel. If you're considering a journey from Dover, New Hampshire, to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, understanding the various routes, distances, and current gas prices will help you prepare for this memorable trip. In this article, we'll break down potential routes and costs associated with each one to give you a clearer picture of your travel expenses.

Overview: Distance and Fuel Costs

Dover, New Hampshire, sits approximately 1,050 miles away from Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. The journey generally takes about 16 to 18 hours of driving time without any significant breaks. Based on the current national average for gasoline at around $3.50 per gallon, we will calculate the fuel costs based on varying miles per gallon (MPG) for different types of vehicles.

Before diving into the routes, let's take a quick look at what you can expect in terms of fuel consumption:

Economy Car (30 MPG): Cost per gallon = $3.50
Standard Car (25 MPG): Cost per gallon = $3.50
SUV (20 MPG): Cost per gallon = $3.50
Truck (15 MPG): Cost per gallon = $3.50

Route Options

1. I-95 South to I-81 South

Distance: Approximately 1,050 miles
Estimated Driving Time: 16-18 hours
Route Overview: This route takes you down I-95 South through Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, and Maryland before transitioning to I-81 South. Travelers will enjoy scenic views along the way, particularly as I-81 passes through parts of Pennsylvania and Virginia.

Cost Calculation:

Economy Car (30 MPG):
[ \text = \frac{1,050 \text}{30 \text} = 35 \text ]
[ \text = 35 \text \times 3.50 = $122.50 ]
Standard Car (25 MPG):
[ \text = \frac{1,050}{25} = 42 \text ]
[ \text = 42 \times 3.50 = $147.00 ]
SUV (20 MPG):
[ \text = \frac{1,050}{20} = 52.5 \text ]
[ \text = 52.5 \times 3.50 = $183.75 ]
Truck (15 MPG):
[ \text = \frac{1,050}{15} = 70 \text ]
[ \text = 70 \times 3.50 = $245.00 ]

2. I-93 South to I-81 South

Distance: Approximately 1,025 miles
Estimated Driving Time: 15-17 hours
Route Overview: This route takes you from Dover down I-93 through New Hampshire and Massachusetts, eventually connecting to I-81 in Pennsylvania. It offers a slightly shorter distance than the previous route but can be slower due to city traffic.

Cost Calculation:

Economy Car (30 MPG):
[ \text = \frac{1,025}{30} = 34.17 \text ]
[ \text = 34.17 \times 3.50 = $119.59 ]
Standard Car (25 MPG):
[ \text = \frac{1,025}{25} = 41 \text ]
[ \text = 41 \times 3.50 = $143.50 ]
SUV (20 MPG):
[ \text = \frac{1,025}{20} = 51.25 \text ]
[ \text = 51.25 \times 3.50 = $178.88 ]
Truck (15 MPG):
[ \text = \frac{1,025}{15} = 68.33 \text ]
[ \text = 68.33 \times 3.50 = $238.16 ]

3. I-95 South to I-75 South

Distance: Approximately 1,100 miles
Estimated Driving Time: 18-20 hours
Route Overview: This route offers a detour if you want to see the Atlantic Coast before heading inland. After heading south on I-95, you transition to I-75 via I-16, resulting in more highway driving in Georgia and Alabama.

Cost Calculation:

Economy Car (30 MPG):
[ \text = \frac{1,100}{30} = 36.67 \text ]
[ \text = 36.67 \times 3.50 = $128.35 ]
Standard Car (25 MPG):
[ \text = \frac{1,100}{25} = 44 \text ]
[ \text = 44 \times 3.50 = $154.00 ]
SUV (20 MPG):
[ \text = \frac{1,100}{20} = 55 \text ]
[ \text = 55 \times 3.50 = $192.50 ]
Truck (15 MPG):
[ \text = \frac{1,100}{15} = 73.33 \text ]
[ \text = 73.33 \times 3.50 = $256.66 ]

Best Route Recommendation

Among the options analyzed, the I-93 South to I-81 South route stands out as the most efficient. While the distance is shorter than the I-95 to I-75 route, it also allows for less time spent on two-lane roads and minimizes the number of potential traffic delays. The substantial fuel cost savings, averaging around $60-$70 less than the longer routes, also make it an attractive option for budget-conscious travelers.

Conclusion

A road trip from Dover, New Hampshire, to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, can range significantly in distance depending on the route taken. The I-93 South to I-81 South path not only minimizes driving time but also saves you on fuel costs. Expect this drive to take approximately 15-17 hours, covering around 1,025 miles for an adventurous getaway that promises beautiful sights along the way. As you embark on this journey, you’ll create memories that extend far beyond mere numbers on a gas receipt.