Driving Cost from Burlington, North Carolina to Matthews, North Carolina

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The Cost of a Trip between Burlington and Matthews based on Current Gas Prices

Traveling by car is one of the most convenient ways to travel. It allows you to move quickly from one place to another while enjoying the freedom and flexibility of creating your own itinerary. But as we strive to find cost-effective ways to travel, it's important to carefully consider the cost of transportation, especially when driving through long distances. In this article, we'll explore different routes that you can take from Burlington, North Carolina to Matthews, North Carolina, and highlight the cost and distance for each route based on current gas prices.

The Possible Routes

Route 1: Using I-40 E and I-85 N

The most direct and common route between Burlington and Matthews is by taking I-40 E and I-85 N. This route takes you through Durham, Raleigh, and Greensboro. While this route is the shortest distance between the two places, it may not always be the best option due to high traffic volume, which can slow down your journey. Also, tolls might be a consideration. Tolls exist in many parts along I-40 E.

The total distance of driving from Burlington to Matthews via I-40 E and I-85 N is 126 miles, with an estimated travel time of 2 hours and 8 minutes. Assuming the average gas price in North Carolina is $2.31/gallon, a typical car getting 25 miles per gallon (mpg) will require approximately 5 gallons of gas for the trip. The total cost of gas required will be about $11.55. If you encounter any tolls, be sure to factor that into your budget.

Route 2: Using I-40 and NC 49

If you want to avoid the heavy traffic of I-40 E and I-85 N, you might consider a more scenic route that passes through the center of North Carolina. This route involves taking I-40 to NC 49 and driving on NC 49 to Matthews. This trip takes you through pleasant rural areas south of Burlington and Greensboro, providing a more relaxed vibe. Although this route is longer than the I-40 E and I-85 N, it's an excellent option if you are looking for a chill drive. You will only encounter a couple of tolls if you use this route.

The total distance of driving from Burlington to Matthews via I-40 and NC 49 is 145 miles, with an estimated travel time of 2 hours and 41 minutes. With a gas price of $2.31/gallon and an average fuel economy of 25 mpg, a typical car will need approximately 6 gallons of gas to cover this distance, which will cost approximately $13.86.

Route 3: Using I-40 E and US-64 E

This route begins in Burlington, continues through Chapel Hill, and then onto US-64 E to Matthews. While this route has some excellent scenery, such as the North Carolina countryside, it has a few more twists and turns than the other routes, making it a more challenging journey.

The total driving distance from Burlington to Matthews via I-40 E and US-64 E is 149 miles, with an estimated travel time of 2 hours and 48 minutes. Based on recent gas prices, a typical vehicle with a fuel economy of 25 mpg will need around 6 gallons of gas, which translates to about $13.86.

Which Route is the Best?

While it's always nice to take the shortest route, it's good to keep in mind the factors that can affect travel time, such as heavy traffic, tolls, and road maintenance. In terms of distance, Route 1 (I-40 E and I-85 N) is the shortest, with Route 2 (I-40 and NC 49) coming in second and Route 3 (I-40 E and US-64 E) having the longest distance.

If you're in a rush and don't mind traveling on a heavy traffic road and paying a few tolls, then Route 1 is your best bet, as it's the shortest. However, if you're looking for a more scenic drive through rural areas, then Route 2 is an excellent choice. Route 3 is best for travelers looking for a more adventurous drive with more twists and turns.

Conclusion

When planning a trip between Burlington and Matthews, it's essential to pay attention to the factors that affect travel time, such as heavy traffic, tolls, and road maintenance. Calculate the cost of travel with an online calculator that will provide you with an estimate and give you the proper knowledge to determine which route to use based on your needs and interests. Based on current gas prices and route analyses, it's best to drive through Route 1 (I-40 E and I-85 N) as it's shorter and convenient, but Route 2 (I-40 and NC 49) provides you access to some pleasant rural areas south of Burlington and Greensboro. The choice is ultimately up to you, but regardless of which route you choose, it's best to research the roads, traffic volume, and fuel prices ahead of time.