The Cost of a Road Trip: Bristow, Virginia to Cocoa Beach, Florida

Are you planning a road trip from Bristow, Virginia to Cocoa Beach, Florida? While it’s an exciting prospect to hit the open road, it’s important to factor in the cost of the trip in your planning. From gas to food to lodging, there’s a lot to consider. In this article, we’ll break down the options for routes and their respective costs so you can make an informed decision about the best route to take.

Route Options and Costs

Route 1: Taking I-95 All the Way

Distance: Approx. 800 miles

Cost: Approx. $100 in gas

This is the most direct route to take, with no detours or side trips. At roughly 800 miles, it’s the shortest distance you can take between Bristow, Virginia to Cocoa Beach, Florida. Using the average gas prices as per AAA’s Gas Prices website, a traveler would need to spend around $100 in gas for a round trip.

Route 2: Making a Detour through Cape Hatteras National Seashore

Distance: Approx. 890 miles

Cost: Approx. $120 in gas

For those wanting to make the most of their road trip, a detour to Cape Hatteras National Seashore is an ideal option. It adds around 90 miles to the trip, but the scenic views and sites along the way make it worth it. While it may add to the travel distance, it only increases the gas price by around $20, bringing the total to $120.

Route 3: Taking the Coastal Route

Distance: Approx. 950 miles

Cost: Approx. $125 in gas

If you want to add more beautiful sites to your road trip, taking the coastal route will take you through some of America’s most scenic areas. A visit to Miami and the Florida Keys is a must-do as well. The downside is that taking this route can add quite a bit to the overall mileage, increasing the time (and cost) taken to reach your destination. This route would cost about $125, an increase of $25 from Route 1.

Route 4: The Scenic Route through the Blue Ridge Mountains

Distance: Approx. 1050 miles

Cost: Approx. $140 in gas

From Bristow, drivers can choose to follow Route 15 into North Carolina before connecting with the Blue Ridge Parkway. From there, a driver can travel along the breathtaking beauty of the Appalachian Mountains’ towering heights and steep valleys. While a scenic route is often a popular choice for road-trippers, it’s important to note that this route is the longest and most expensive. The total round-trip cost for gas alone is around $140.

Recommendations for the Best Route

In terms of time and gas cost savings, Route 1 is the best option for travelers who want a straightforward drive. While the other routes offer scenic views and landmark stops, they come at a high cost, making them better suited for travelers who have more time and money to spare. However, if you want to take a detour, Route 2 with its stop at the Cape Hatteras National Seashore is highly recommended.

Conclusion

Planning a road trip can be exciting – but it can also be daunting when considering the cost of the trip. By breaking down the different route options and their respective costs, you can better plan for your Bristow-to-Cocoa Beach road trip. Ultimately, the best route for you will depend on your time frame and budget. But no matter which route you choose, the journey itself is sure to be an adventure you'll never forget. Safe travels!