Driving Cost from Atlanta, Georgia to Richmond, Virginia

A picture depicting a gas pump

The Cost of Driving from Atlanta to Richmond: Gas Prices Edition

Hey there, road trippers! Are you thinking of heading up north from Atlanta to Richmond, Virginia? Whether it's for sightseeing, business, or simply to visit friends and family, it's always good to plan ahead, especially when it comes to your budget. In this blog post, we'll break down the cost of driving from the ATL to RVA based on current gas prices, so you can have a better idea of how much you'll be spending on fuel and tolls along the way. Ready? Let's hit the road!

Route 1: I-85 N and I-95 N

The first route we'll take you through is the most direct one. From Atlanta, you'll take I-85 N towards Charlotte, then switch to I-95 N all the way to Richmond. According to Google Maps, this route covers a distance of 554 miles, which should take you around 8 hours and 30 minutes with moderate traffic.

So, how much should you expect to spend on gas and tolls for this route? As of August 2021, gas prices in Georgia average around $2.95 per gallon, while gas prices in Virginia average around $2.89 per gallon. Assuming your vehicle has a fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, you'll need around 22 gallons of gasoline for this trip, which would cost approximately $64.90 in Georgia and $63.80 in Virginia.

As for tolls, you'll need to pay for the following:

  • $6.00 at the Virginia-North Carolina border (I-95 Express Lanes)
  • $1.00 at the NC 46 exit (I-95 Express Lanes)
  • $0.75 at the NC 97 exit (I-95 Express Lanes)
  • $0.35 at the NC 171 exit (I-95 Express Lanes)
  • $6.00 at the Virginia-South Carolina border (I-95 Express Lanes)
  • $2.50 at the Meherrin River Bridge (Route 301)

All in all, you're looking at around $85.50 in gas and toll expenses for this route.

Route 2: I-85 N, I-295 E and I-64 E

If you're looking for a slightly different route, you can try taking I-85 N like before, but then switch to I-295 E towards Richmond instead of continuing on I-95 N. This route covers a distance of 579 miles, which should take you around 9 hours and 20 minutes with moderate traffic.

So, how much will you spend on gas and tolls for this route? Following the same assumptions as before, you'll need around 23 gallons of gasoline for this trip, which would cost approximately $67.85 in Georgia and $66.47 in Virginia. As for tolls, this route only has one toll plaza to pay at:

  • $5.50 at the Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike (I-295)

All in all, this route will cost you around $79.82 in gas and toll expenses.

Route 3: US-29 N and US-15 N

Our final route diverts quite a bit from the highways we've taken before. Instead, you'll take US-29 N from Atlanta all the way to Charlottesville, then switch to US-15 N towards Richmond. This route covers a distance of 565 miles, which should take you around 10 hours and 30 minutes with moderate traffic.

So, how much will you end up spending on gas and tolls for this route? Since you'll be taking state routes for the most part, you'll spend less on gas than the previous routes. Assuming your vehicle still has a fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, you'll need around 23 gallons of gasoline for this trip, which would cost approximately $67.85 in Georgia and $66.47 in Virginia.

However, keep in mind that you'll still need to pay for tolls, which can be a bit tricky with state routes. The main ones you'll need to pay for are:

  • $8.00 at the North Carolina-Virginia border (US-29/US-15)
  • $5.00 at the James River Bridge (US-15)

All in all, this route will cost you around $87.32 in gas and toll expenses.

Final Thoughts

And there you have it, road trippers! Based on the current gas prices and toll fares, you should expect to spend anywhere from $79.82 to $87.32 on gas and tolls alone for a one-way trip from Atlanta, Georgia to Richmond, Virginia. Keep in mind that these are estimates and may vary depending on your vehicle, driving habits, and other external factors. However, having an idea of the cost can help you budget accordingly and enjoy your trip worry-free. Drive safe, enjoy the scenery, and happy travels!