The Cost of a Trip from Buffalo, New York to Lexington, South Carolina
Traveling between Buffalo, New York and Lexington, South Carolina is a long trip, covering a distance of approximately 758 miles. It usually takes around 12 hours to drive, depending on your route and how often you take breaks. Before planning your trip, it's important to consider the various factors that will impact the total cost of transportation, including distance, travel time, gas prices, and route options.
Determining the Cost of a Trip
The cost of a trip from Buffalo, New York to Lexington, South Carolina can vary widely depending on the mode of transportation you choose and the route you take. The most common means of transportation for covering this distance is by car. The average cost of gas in the United States as of May 2021 was $3.04 per gallon. It's important to note that gas prices may vary depending on where you're traveling, so you should always factor in the current gas prices in the areas you'll be driving through.
To determine the cost of the trip, it's essential to calculate the distance being traveled, the fuel efficiency of your vehicle, and the current gas prices. For example, let's say your vehicle gets 25 miles per gallon and gas prices are $3.04 per gallon. The total cost of gas for a round trip would be approximately $136.
Keep in mind that this calculation only accounts for the cost of gas and doesn't include any additional expenses, such as lodging, food, or tolls. Keep these costs in mind when planning your trip.
Possible Routes Between Buffalo, New York and Lexington, South Carolina
Several routes are available for driving from Buffalo, New York, to Lexington, South Carolina. Below we'll review four potential routes and their respective distances and costs based on the factors mentioned above.
Route 1: Through Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Distance: Approximately 811 miles Estimated Travel Time: 12-14 hours Gas Cost: $144.17
This route takes you through Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. You'll start on I-90 East and continue on I-79 South, taking you through Ohio, West Virginia, and finally Pennsylvania. Once in Pennsylvania, you'll take I-76 East, also known as the Pennsylvania Turnpike. From here, you'll pass through Maryland before entering Virginia and heading towards your final destination in South Carolina.
Route 2: Through Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Distance: Approximately 777 miles Estimated Travel Time: 11-13 hours Gas Cost: $139.15
This route takes you through Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. From Buffalo, you'll take I-90 East towards Erie. Once in Pennsylvania, you'll take I-79 South and follow this route towards Morgantown, West Virginia, where you'll merge onto I-68 East. You'll pass through Maryland on I-68, then connect to I-70 East towards Hagerstown before taking I-81 South. Finally, you'll take I-77 South, which will take you through Virginia and ultimately end at your destination in South Carolina.
Route 3: Through Indiana, West Virginia, and Virginia
Distance: Approximately 798 miles Estimated Travel Time: 12-14 hours Gas Cost: $142.96
This route takes you through Indiana, West Virginia, and Virginia. You'll start on I-90 East towards Cleveland before getting onto I-77 South in Akron, Ohio. This route will take you through West Virginia and then into Virginia, where you'll continue on I-77 South towards Columbia, South Carolina. From Columbia, you'll take I-26 West to reach your final destination in Lexington.
Route 4: Through Louisville, Kentucky
Distance: Approximately 800 miles Estimated Travel Time: 12-14 hours Gas Cost: $143.22
This route takes you through Louisville, Kentucky. You'll start on I-90 East towards Cleveland, then take I-71 South towards Cincinnati. From Cincinnati, you'll take I-65 South towards Louisville, Kentucky. From Louisville, you'll merge onto I-64 East towards Lexington, Kentucky. Then you'll continue on I-64 East towards West Virginia, where you'll take I-77 South to reach your final destination in South Carolina.
Recommended Route
After careful consideration of the different routes, Route 2 through Harrisburg, Pennsylvania has the shortest distance and estimated travel time. It's also the most affordable option in terms of gas costs. This route takes you through West Virginia, Maryland, and Virginia. Harrisburg, Pennsylvania is a great stopping point if you need rest or wish to explore new areas during your trip.
Conclusion
Determining the cost of a trip from Buffalo, New York to Lexington, South Carolina may be difficult, but it's an essential component of trip planning. Knowing the various routes, the distances, and gas prices will help you make an informed decision on the most cost-effective route for you. In conclusion, taking the time to plan carefully will ensure a smoother, hassle-free journey. Whether it's for a vacation or a family road trip, with the right planning, anyone can enjoy the adventure of traveling from Buffalo, New York to Lexington, South Carolina.