The Cost of a Road Trip from Buford to Sandy Springs
Are you planning a road trip from Buford to Sandy Springs, Georgia? One of the first things to consider is the cost. Gas prices vary, and there are different possible routes to choose from, each with its own cost and distance. In this article, we'll break down the options and help you find the most cost-effective and efficient route.
The Possible Routes
Route 1: Via Interstate 85 South
The most direct route from Buford to Sandy Springs is taking Interstate 85 South. This route is approximately 28 miles long and takes about 30 minutes to drive without traffic. However, this route has tolls that may add to your expenses. The I-85 Express Lanes require a Peach Pass, which costs $20.00 upfront to open an account and load funds onto the account. The express lane toll rate starts at $0.10 per mile, but the actual toll rate fluctuates depending on the time of day and the level of congestion. Be sure to check the latest rates to estimate your cost accurately.
Route 2: Via Georgia 400 South
Another option is taking Georgia 400 South, which is a toll road that has a cost of $1.50 at the Buford Highway Connector and $1.50 at Northridge. This route is approximately 29 miles long and takes about 40 minutes to drive without traffic. Please bear in mind that this route is also subject to heavy traffic.
Route 3: Via Georgia 20 to Georgia 400
If you prefer to avoid toll roads, you can take Georgia 20, also known as Buford Drive, to Georgia 400. This route is approximately 34 miles long and takes about 45 minutes to drive, depending on traffic. This route is the most time-consuming and longer than the other two routes, but it's worth considering if you're on a budget.
The Cost of Gasoline
When planning your trip, you should also consider the cost of gasoline, which is a variable that depends on many factors, including the type of vehicle you're driving, the current gas prices, and your driving habits.
According to AAA's Daily Fuel Gauge Report, the average gas prices in Georgia as of August 2021 is $2.95 per gallon. Suppose your car has a fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon and you choose Route 1 or Route 2. In that case, you'll need approximately one gallon of gasoline to complete your trip, which translates into a cost of around $2.95, based on the current average price of gas. If you choose Route 3, you'll need approximately 1.36 gallons of gasoline, which will cost you around $4. The cost of gas is a significant aspect to consider when looking for ways to save money on a road trip.
Recommending the Best Route
Based on the information provided, Route 1, taking Interstate 85 South, is the most direct and fastest route to Sandy Springs, but it has tolls that may add to your expenses. However, if you have a Peach Pass, the I-85 Express Lanes may be the most convenient and less time-consuming, as you'll avoid the traffic jams during rush hour.
On the other hand, Route 3 will allow you to save money on tolls, but it's longer and may take you more time than the other two options. It's a trade-off between time and cost.
Route 2 seems to be a middle ground, taking Georgia 400 South. It's not as direct as Route 1, but it bypasses some of the heavy traffic on Interstate 85, making it a little more time-efficient. The only downside is that it also has tolls, which may add to your expenses.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the cost of a road trip from Buford to Sandy Springs depends on various factors, such as the route you choose, the cost of gas, and the tolls you may encounter. Despite this, we suggest taking Route 1 whenever possible, as it's the fastest and most direct route. If you have a Peach Pass, consider using the I-85 Express Lanes to save time and avoid the traffic during rush hour.
In any case, plan ahead and consider all the variables to ensure you save money on your trip to Sandy Springs, Georgia. Depending on your preferences, the cost of gas and the time you want to spend driving, you might choose one of the other two routes, which can be a cost-effective way to travel.