The Affordable Way: The Cost of a Trip Between Birmingham, Alabama and Nashville-Davidson, Tennessee

Traveling between two different states, Birmingham in Alabama and Nashville-Davidson in Tennessee, may sound daunting, especially when it comes to the cost of the trip. With various transportation options, it is important to explore all the routes and modes of transportation to determine which one offers affordability and convenience. In this article, let's tackle the cost of a trip between Birmingham, Alabama and Nashville-Davidson, Tennessee based on the current gas prices.

Possible Routes

Route 1: Via I-65 N (205 miles)

One of the most common ways to travel between Birmingham and Nashville-Davidson is by car or bus. This route involves taking I-65 N, which starts in Birmingham and ends in Nashville-Davidson. This scenic route passes through several cities and towns, including Alabaster, Pelham, Hoover, Brent, Franklin, and Thompson’s Station. It takes approximately 3 hours and 15 minutes to complete the trip, depending on the traffic conditions.

Route 2: Via I-59 N and I-24 E (216 miles)

Another route to Nashville-Davidson is via I-59 N and I-24 E. This route begins in Birmingham and travels through Gadsden, Chattanooga, Chattanooga Valley, Lookout Mountain, Monteagle, and Murfreesboro, before reaching Nashville-Davidson. The distance is slightly longer than Route 1, and the journey takes approximately 4 hours, depending on the traffic conditions.

Route 3: Via Train (216 miles)

For those who prefer to travel via train, Amtrak offers a daily train service that travels between Birmingham and Nashville-Davidson. The train departs from Birmingham's New Orleans Station and arrives at Nashville-Davidson's Union Station. The journey takes approximately 7 hours, allowing for plenty of time to enjoy the scenic views along the way.

Cost Comparison

By Car

When traveling by car, the cost of the trip is primarily based on the price of gas and the type of car used. According to GasBuddy, as of August 2021, the average gas price in Alabama is $2.88 per gallon, while in Tennessee, it is $2.94 per gallon. Using the average fuel economy of 25 miles per gallon, here is an estimate of the cost for each route:

Route 1

205 miles ÷ 25 miles/gallon = 8.2 gallons of gas

8.2 gallons of gas x $2.88 per gallon (Alabama gas price) = $23.62

Route 2

216 miles ÷ 25 miles/gallon = 8.3 gallons of gas

8.3 gallons of gas x $2.88 per gallon (Alabama gas price) = $23.90

Alternatively:

216 miles ÷ 25 miles/gallon = 8.64 gallons of gas

8.64 gallons of gas x $2.94 per gallon (Tennessee gas price) = $25.23

As we can see from the calculation, Route 1 is less expensive due to the lower gas price in Alabama compared to Tennessee.

By Bus

For those who prefer to travel by bus, Greyhound offers several daily trips from Birmingham to Nashville-Davidson. According to Greyhound's website, the average cost of a one-way trip is around $34. However, prices may vary depending on the departure date and time.

By Train

If you prefer to travel by train, the cost will depend on the type of seat you choose. Amtrak offers Coach and Business class seats for the trip between Birmingham and Nashville-Davidson. As of August 2021, the cost of a one-way Coach class ticket starts at $52, while a Business class ticket starts at $101. It is important to check the prices on the Amtrak website as they may vary depending on the departure date and time.

The Best Route

From a cost perspective, Route 1 is the most affordable way to travel between Birmingham and Nashville-Davidson. It is also the shortest route, taking only 205 miles, compared to Route 2, which is 216 miles. With the relatively low gas price in Alabama compared to Tennessee, it makes sense to choose Route 1 if you are driving by car.

Conclusion

Traveling from Birmingham to Nashville-Davidson is not only affordable, but it also offers breathtaking views of the countryside. While there are several possible routes to choose from, Route 1 remains the most cost-effective way to travel between these two cities. By taking advantage of the low gas prices in Alabama, you can enjoy a comfortable and affordable journey. So, pack your bags, get in the car, and hit the road for a memorable trip to Nashville-Davidson!