The Cost of a Trip from Brookhaven to Buford: Navigating Gas Prices to Find the Best Route
Making the trip from Brookhaven, Georgia to Buford, Georgia shouldn't be a costly endeavor, but with gas prices fluctuating so frequently, the cost of your journey may depend on which route you choose to take. There are a few routes to consider, but each carries its own distance and cost implications. We'll break down the different routes and offer our recommendation for the most cost-effective.
Route One: I-85 North
If you're looking for the most direct route from Brookhaven to Buford, taking I-85 North is your best bet. The one-way distance totals about 33 miles and takes approximately 40 minutes to complete. However, stopping for gas at any point will add to your travel time. The cost of gas can also add up quickly, so filling up before starting your journey and choosing a more fuel-efficient vehicle are important considerations.
Currently, gas prices in the Brookhaven area hover around $2.47 per gallon. According to the EPA, the average fuel economy for a passenger car in the United States is 24.9 miles per gallon. This means that a standard vehicle would use approximately 1.33 gallons of gas for a one-way trip from Brookhaven to Buford, costing about $3.28 in gas alone.
Route Two: Buford Highway
Another option for getting from Brookhaven to Buford is navigating the twists and turns of Buford Highway. This route takes a slightly more scenic (and slower) path through several Atlanta suburbs, including Chamblee and Doraville, before eventually reaching Buford. The distance is a bit longer at just over 35 miles one-way, but this route may help you to avoid the worst of Atlanta's rush hour traffic.
While slightly longer than taking I-85 North, the cost could be comparable depending on traffic conditions and the price of gas along Buford Highway. Keep in mind that this route may be best for those who enjoy exploring new neighborhoods, as it features several unique cultural pockets and notable attractions like Plaza Fiesta and Buford Highway Farmers Market.
Route Three: State Route 13
Taking State Route 13 from Brookhaven to Buford adds an additional 10 miles and around 10 minutes to your trip as opposed to taking I-85 North, with a one-way distance of just over 40 miles. However, this route can be a good option for those wanting to avoid heavier traffic around the Atlanta suburbs; instead, this route will take you through similarly low-traffic suburban areas like Tucker, Lilburn, and Lawrenceville.
Gas prices along this route also vary, but areas like Tucker and Lilburn tend to reflect rates similar to those in Brookhaven. The cost difference between taking SR-13 and I-85 North could be negligible depending on the price of gas on the day of travel and how much rush-hour traffic affects your journey.
Recommendation: I-85 North
While all three routes offer their own benefits and potential cost savings, we recommend taking I-85 North as the most cost-effective way to get from Brookhaven to Buford. This route offers a short overall distance and relatively low traffic conditions compared to the other two options, which can help to minimize the cost of gas while ensuring a speedy arrival.
Conclusion
Traveling from Brookhaven to Buford can be a quick, convenient, and affordable journey if you choose the right route. Our recommendation is to hop onto I-85 North to take advantage of the shorter distance and lower traffic volume. However, more adventurous travelers may want to consider taking Buford Highway to explore a few Atlanta suburbs, while SR-13 offers a potential cost-saving option for those willing to take a longer journey. Whatever your preference, be mindful of gas prices and fuel efficiency to make your journey as affordable as possible. Safe travels!