The Cost of Driving from Burlington, Vermont to Orlando, Florida

Are you planning a road trip from Burlington, Vermont to Orlando, Florida? While flying might be the quickest option, driving allows you to take in the breathtaking scenery and explore new places along the way. Plus, with current gas prices, it might just be the more cost-effective choice. Let's break down the cost of different routes, including the distance, time, gas prices, and tolls.

1. The Scenic Route: I-95 S

Distance: Approximately 1,460 miles Time: About 23 hours

If you're up for a journey filled with beautiful coastal views and the chance to explore charming towns, taking Interstate 95 South is the perfect choice. Starting in Burlington, you'll pass through several states, including Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, and North Carolina before finally reaching your destination in Orlando.

Gas prices along this route vary, but on average, you can expect to pay around $2.75 per gallon. Considering the average fuel efficiency of most cars, which is about 25 miles per gallon, you'll need approximately 58 gallons of gas for this trip. So, the total cost for gas would be about $159.50.

Tolls along I-95 South can add up, especially in more populated areas like New York City. Be prepared to pay various toll fees that can range from a few dollars to around $20 for major bridges and tunnels. As an estimate, you could budget an additional $100 for tolls along this route.

2. The Fast Route: I-81 S + I-64 E

Distance: Approximately 1,295 miles Time: About 20 hours

If you prefer a quicker route that bypasses some major cities, I-81 South followed by I-64 East is your best bet. This option takes you through parts of New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia, and Virginia before joining up with I-95 near Richmond, Virginia.

Gas prices along this route are similar to the previous one, averaging around $2.75 per gallon. With an average fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, you'll need about 52 gallons of gas for this trip. So, the total cost for gas would be approximately $143.

Tolls are significantly reduced on this route, with only a couple of small tolls along the way. You can expect to pay roughly $10 in toll fees, making it a more budget-friendly option.

3. The Midwest Marvel: I-90 W + I-80 W + I-76 W + I-77 S + I-26 W

Distance: Approximately 1,490 miles Time: About 24 hours

For those who enjoy scenic drives through picturesque Midwest landscapes, this route is for you. Starting in Burlington, you'll head west on I-90, passing through New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and Iowa. From there, you'll take I-80 West, continuing through Iowa, Nebraska, Wyoming, Utah, and Nevada before heading south on I-15. Finally, you'll take I-70 West, I-15 South, and I-8 West, crossing into California and Arizona before joining up with I-10 East, which leads you to your final destination in Orlando.

Gas prices along this route are a bit more varied due to the different states you'll pass through. However, an average of $2.75 per gallon is still a reasonable estimate. With an average fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, you'll require around 60 gallons of gas for this trip. This makes the total cost for gas approximately $165.

Tolls along this route are relatively minimal until you reach Florida, where some toll roads can add up. However, you can still budget a reasonable $50 for toll fees on this adventure.

Conclusion

Embarking on a road trip from Burlington, Vermont to Orlando, Florida can be an exciting and memorable experience. With the current gas prices and toll fees outlined, you can better plan your budget and make an informed decision on which route suits you best. Whether you choose the scenic route along I-95, the faster option on I-81 and I-64, or the Midwest marvel across multiple interstates, it's sure to be a trip filled with adventure and great memories. Safe travels!