The Cost of a Road Trip from Bradenton to Naples Based on Current Gas Prices

Are you planning a road trip with family, friends, or even just yourself from Bradenton to Naples, Florida? If so, it's crucial to estimate the cost of gas and other expenses you'll incur during the trip. In this article, we'll discuss the different routes you can take, estimate the cost and distance of each route, and recommend the best one for you.

Possible Routes

There are three significant routes you can take from Bradenton to Naples, depending on your preference, distance, and other factors:

Route 1: via I-75 S

The first route involves using Interstate 75 South, a primary highway that connects Florida from the northwest down to the southern parts. From Bradenton, you'll get onto this highway and drive south for approximately 77.6 miles, with a total estimated time of 1 hour and 17 minutes. Afterward, you'll turn west at Exit 105 onto Golden Gate Parkway and drive for another 10.5 miles until you get to Naples.

Route 2: via US-41 S

The second route involves using US-41 South, also known as the Tamiami Trail. This highway starts from Tampa and ends in Miami, cutting through several cities, including Bradenton and Naples. If you choose this route, you'll drive for 72.7 miles south from Bradenton for approximately 1 hour and 28 minutes until you get to Naples.

Route 3: via I-75 and SR-29

The third and the last route we recommend involves using a combination of Interstate 75 and SR-29 highway. This route has an estimated distance of 84.3 miles, which takes approximately 1 hour and 28 minutes of driving time. You'll take the I-75 South from Bradenton and then get off at Exit 80 for SR-29 toward Everglades City. You'll then continue straight on SR-29 for approximately 18.4 miles until you get to Naples.

Cost and Distance Estimates

The cost of your trip from Bradenton to Naples will depend on several factors, including the distance, current gas prices, car's fuel efficiency, and other expenses like tolls and food. Below, we have estimated the total cost of each route based on the current gas prices of $2.89 per gallon.

Route 1: via I-75 S

The estimated distance for this route is approximately 88.1 miles, including the additional 10.5 miles on Golden Gate Parkway. Considering the average fuel efficiency of a car at 25 to 30 miles per gallon, you'll need at least three gallons of gas for a one-way trip. Therefore, your total gas expenses for this route will be approximately $8.67. If there are any tolls or other expenses, you can add them to this estimate.

Route 2: via US-41 S

The estimated distance for this route is approximately 72.7 miles, with a total driving time of 1 hour and 28 minutes. Assuming you have a car with good fuel efficiency, you'll need approximately 2.4 gallons of gas, which translates to around $6.94 in total gas expenses.

Route 3: via I-75 and SR-29

The estimated distance for this route is approximately 84.3 miles, with a driving time of 1 hour and 28 minutes. For a car with an average fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, you'll need 3.4 gallons of gas for a one-way trip, which translates to approximately $9.83 for total gas expenses.

Our Recommended Route

Based on the cost and distance estimates above, we recommend taking Route 2 via US-41 South. It has the shortest distance and estimated driving time, translating to lower gas expenses. It's also a relatively simple and straightforward route, with less traffic than Route 1 via I-75. Moreover, US-41 also offers scenic views of swamps, mangroves, and wildlife that you can enjoy during your road trip.

Conclusion

A road trip from Bradenton to Naples can be an exciting adventure, but it's crucial to plan and estimate your expenses beforehand. Depending on the route you choose, your gas expenses can range between $6.94 to $9.83, but other expenses like tolls and food may vary. Overall, taking Route 2 via US-41 South is our recommended route based on the cost and simplicity of the journey. Enjoy your trip and drive safe!