The Cost of Driving from Burlington, NC to Charlotte, NC

Going from Burlington to Charlotte, two of North Carolina's most bustling cities, might seem like a significant journey. But with affordable gas prices, it's never been cheaper to hit the road. Here are a few routes you can take, and the cost of each.

The Fastest Route: I-85

If you're looking for a direct shot between these two cities, then taking I-85 is your best bet. The distance is around 138 miles, and it takes just over 2 hours to reach Charlotte. With gas prices hovering around $2.75 per gallon, it should cost less than $30 for the round trip.

There are a few tolls along the way, so you'll want to factor that in. One toll you'll encounter is the Greensboro Urban Loop. The cost is around $1 per vehicle each way, so factor in $4 for tolls. Remember, this is the fastest route, so if you're in a rush or don't want to spend the entire day on the road, then stick to I-85.

The Scenic Route: US-29/US-70

If you have a bit more time on your hands and want to enjoy some of North Carolina's beautiful countryside, then consider taking US-29/US-70. The distance is similar to I-85, with the journey clocking in at around 140 miles. However, with more stops along the way, it can take around three hours to your destination.

The US-29/US-70 route is more scenic, with lots of places to stop and explore along the way. But it'll incur more in gas costs, with the round trip coming in at around $35-$40, with gas prices remaining constant. There are no tolls along this route, so that's one less cost to worry about.

Via I-40: Longer but Cheaper

If you're looking to stretch your dollar a bit further, then taking I-40 to Charlotte might be your best bet. The distance is a bit longer, clocking in at around 158 miles, and it'll take around 2 hours and 30 minutes to arrive in Charlotte.

Gas prices shouldn't fluctuate much along this route, and the trip to Charlotte and back cost about $35. However, there is a $4 toll on the route which you should add to your travel costs.

Drive Smart

Whether you're taking I-85 for speed, US-29/US-70 for the scenic route, or I-40 to save some money, there are plenty of ways to keep your travel costs low. Keeping an eye on gas prices, driving efficiently, and avoiding toll roads altogether can all help to keep costs under control. Happy traveling!