Driving Cost from Durham, North Carolina to Waltham, Massachusetts

A picture depicting a gas pump

The Cost of Driving From Durham, North Carolina to Waltham, Massachusetts: A Gas-Price Breakdown

Planning a road trip from Durham, North Carolina to Waltham, Massachusetts? You're in for a delightful journey that takes you through charming towns and scenic landscapes. However, it's essential to know how much it will cost you along the way. In this blog post, we'll explore different routes and break down the costs based on current gas prices.

Main Route via I-95 N

The primary route from Durham to Waltham is via I-95 N. This popular highway will take you through several major cities, including Richmond and Washington D.C.

  • Distance: Approximately 650 miles
  • Estimated Time: Around 10 hours
  • Gas Prices: The average gas price is currently about $3.50 per gallon. Your car gets about 25 miles per gallon, so you’ll need roughly 26 gallons of gas for this trip.

To calculate the total cost of gas:
26 gallons x $3.50 = $91.00

Additionally, you may encounter tolls on this route, especially when passing through Maryland and New Jersey. Factor in about $30 for tolls, bringing your total cost for this route to approximately $121.00.

Scenic Route via US-29 N and I-68

If you’re looking for a more scenic alternative, consider taking US-29 N and I-68. This route meanders through the Blue Ridge Mountains and offers breathtaking views, especially during the fall.

  • Distance: Approximately 690 miles
  • Estimated Time: Around 12 hours
  • Gas Prices: With an average gas price of $3.50, and your vehicle’s fuel efficiency being the same, you’ll still use about 28 gallons of gas.

Calculating the total cost of gas:
28 gallons x $3.50 = $98.00

You’ll find fewer tolls on this route, but you might still encounter some minor tolls, roughly around $15. This brings your total trip cost to about $113.00.

Alternative Route via I-81 N

For those who prefer a more relaxed drive, you might want to consider the route via I-81 N. This journey offers a quieter highway experience and is less congested compared to I-95.

  • Distance: Approximately 670 miles
  • Estimated Time: Around 11 hours
  • Gas Prices: With gas prices still sitting at $3.50 and similar fuel efficiency, you'll need about 27 gallons of gas.

Calculating the total cost of gas:
27 gallons x $3.50 = $94.50

You will also encounter minimal tolls along I-81, so you can set aside about $10 for this. Therefore, your total cost for this route is approximately $104.50.

Conclusion

To sum it all up, the cost of driving from Durham, North Carolina to Waltham, Massachusetts, varies depending on the route you choose. If you prefer the fastest route via I-95 N, you can expect to spend around $121.00. Alternatively, a scenic drive along US-29 N will set you back about $113.00, while taking I-81 N can keep costs down to around $104.50.

With these estimates in mind, plan your road trip wisely, and enjoy the beautiful journey ahead! Safe travels!