The Cost of Going from Buffalo, New York to Hickory, North Carolina: Analysing Different Routes Using Current Gas Prices

If you're planning on travelling between Buffalo, New York and Hickory, North Carolina, you might be wondering what the costs of the trip will be. The total cost of the trip is dependent on several factors such as the distance, terrain, and mode of transportation. Here we will be examining the different routes you can take, the cost and distance of each one, and give recommendations on which one may be the best option for you.

Possible Routes

When travelling from Buffalo, New York, to Hickory, North Carolina, there are several routes you can take.

Route 1: via I-79 S

This route is the fastest and most direct, coming down along the I-79 S highway until it intersects with I-77 S, which then leads to Hickory, North Carolina. This route is a total of approximately 695 miles.

Route 2: via I-86W and I-99 S

This route cuts across New York state via the I-86W highway, going down until it intersects with I-99 S just before State College, Pennsylvania. From here, you cross Pennsylvania and West Virginia until you reach Virginia where you then take a left towards North Carolina. The total distance on this route is approximately 745 miles.

Route 3: via US-219 South

This final route also goes through the I-86W highway, but instead of taking I-99 S, it takes US-219 S instead. This route takes you down through West Virginia, eventually linking with I-64 W. After reaching Virginia, you will need to connect with I-81 S and finally I-77 N, both of which will get you to Hickory, North Carolina. The total distance on this route is around 832 miles.

All three routes generally take between 11 and 12 hours to travel by car under good conditions.

Cost Analysis

To calculate the cost of travelling these routes, we'll be using the current gas prices of June 2021 for the calculation. The average price of gas per gallon in Buffalo, New York, as of June 25th, 2021, is $2.97/gallon. In Hickory, North Carolina, it is $2.88/gallon.

Using the route distance and the current gas prices, below are the costs of travelling each route:

Route 1: via I-79 S

The total distance on this route is 695 miles. To calculate the fuel cost, we use the formula (distance ÷ miles per gallon) × price per gallon. Most cars have an MPG of around 25 miles per gallon.

Thus, the cost of driving this route is ($2.97 × (695 ÷ 25)) = $83.16 for one-way travel. Round-trip travel using this route incurs a cost of approximately $166.32.

Route 2: via I-86W and I-99 S

This route has a total distance of 745 miles. Using the same formula, the fuel cost on this route for a one-way trip is ($2.97 × (745 ÷ 25)) = $105.48. A round trip on this route would cost about $210.96.

Route 3: via US-219 South

The total distance on this route is 832 miles, making it the longest of the three routes. Applying the same formula, we get a one-way travel cost of ($2.97 × (832 ÷ 25)) = $116.77. Round-trip travel using this route would cost approximately $233.54.

Route Recommendations

Based on the cost and distance analysis, we recommend using Route 1, which is the shortest and cheapest option, for most travellers. Route 2, which goes through Pennsylvania and West Virginia, is more expensive than Route 1 but does possibly provide scenic views and interesting stops.

Route 3 is the longest and most expensive of the three routes. While it may offer some enticing views, it may not be worth the extra cost, especially if you're looking to minimize expenses on the road. Unless it is your preferred route for other reasons, we recommend avoiding this route.

Conclusion

Travelling from Buffalo, New York, to Hickory, North Carolina by car is a long but rewarding journey. However, the cost of the trip is a significant consideration you need to make before embarking on the journey.

Based on the analysis carried out, Route 1 is the most cost-effective and falls within an average travel time of 11-12 hours. If along the journey, you prefer more scenic views and stops, you may choose Route 2 as a second option, but note that it is slightly more expensive. On the other hand, if you have plenty of extra time to spare, Route 3 could offer some views that'll be worth your time, but it is the most costly route. So now the choice is yours. Safe travels!