The Cost of Your Road Trip: Driving from Durham, NC to Richmond, VA Based on Current Gas Prices
Planning a road trip from Durham, North Carolina, to Richmond, Virginia? It's a fantastic journey, full of beautiful landscapes and plenty of sights to see! However, to ensure you aren’t caught off guard by costs, let’s break down the best routes you could take, their distances, time requirements, and of course, the gas expenses based on current fuel prices.
Route 1: I-85 N and I-95 N
Distance: approximately 160 miles
Time: about 2 hours and 30 minutes
Cost: around $25 for gas
Taking the I-85 North and then the I-95 North is arguably one of the most straightforward routes. The current average gas price in this area is about $3.00 per gallon. Given that your vehicle achieves around 25 miles per gallon, you can expect to burn through about 6.4 gallons of gas for the trip. Thus, at $3.00 per gallon, your total gas expense will come to around $19.20. Since this route has no tolls, you can add a little extra for snacks and drinks along the way!
Route 2: Via US-29 N
Distance: approximately 175 miles
Time: around 3 hours
Cost: approximately $30 for gas
If you fancy a more scenic drive, consider taking US-29 North. This route stretches out to 175 miles and should take you about 3 hours to complete. While you’ll enjoy lovely views, this route could cost you slightly more in gas. With your vehicle getting 25 miles per gallon and gas prices at $3.00 per gallon, you’ll need about 7 gallons for the trip. In total, that amounts to roughly $21 for gas, bringing your travel expenses around $30 when you factor in a few extra bucks for tolls and snacks.
Route 3: I-40 E and I-95 N
Distance: approximately 170 miles
Time: about 2 hours and 40 minutes
Cost: about $27 for gas
Another option is the I-40 East route, which eventually connects to I-95 North. This route comes in at about 170 miles, taking approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes. The gas cost remains similar, with your vehicle consuming around 6.8 gallons of gas. This means you can expect to spend around $20.40 on gas. Although there are no tolls on this route, adding some cash for a quick snack could bring the total around $27.
In conclusion, whether you choose the I-85 N for efficiency, US-29 N for scenery, or I-40 E for a balance of both, knowing the distance, time, and cost will help you budget effectively for your road trip. Always make sure to check real-time gas prices and toll rates before you hit the road. Enjoy your journey, and safe travels to Richmond!