The Cost of a Trip Between Cairnryan, Scotland and Horsham, England

If you're planning a road trip from Cairnryan, Scotland to Horsham, England, you're probably wondering about the cost of gas and other expenses. This guide will break down the different travel options and their associated costs, as well as provide recommendations for the best route.

Route Options

Route 1: The Direct Route

The direct route from Cairnryan to Horsham covers approximately 532 miles and takes about 9 hours and 15 minutes. This route involves driving along the M6, M42, and M40 motorways.

Route 2: Scenic Route

If you're not in a hurry and would enjoy taking a more scenic route, you could consider driving down the A82 towards Loch Lomond, continuing on the A83 and driving through the Kintyre Peninsula. From there you would go to Glasgow on the A83, join the M8 and M74 south past Carlisle to the M6. The journey would take around 11 hours and 30 minutes, covering about 547 miles.

Route 3: Combination of Direct and Scenic Route

If you want to experience some breathtaking views but also want to keep your travel time reasonable, you can combine both routes. In this scenario, you can drive the A82 and A83 scenic route all the way to Glasgow before joining the M8 and M74. From Carlisle you follow the direct route through to Horsham. The distance covered with this route is almost the same as the scenic route but it saves about 30 minutes of travel time.

Cost of Gas

The cost of gas can vary depending on which route you choose, as well as the type and efficiency of your vehicle. On average, the cost of gas in Scotland is slightly higher than the average gas prices in England.

According to Fuelpricesonline.com, as of September 2021, the average cost of petrol in Scotland was £1.37 per litre, while diesel was around £1.39 per litre. In Horsham, the cost of petrol was slightly cheaper, with an average price of £1.33 per litre, with diesel averaging at £1.37 per litre.

Based on these prices, we can estimate the cost of gas for each route option:

Route 1: The Direct Route

Taking the direct route from Cairnryan to Horsham would cost around £72.48 ($99.27) for petrol and £71.61 ($97.96) for diesel, assuming a fuel efficiency of 30 miles per gallon and an average petrol price of £1.37 per litre and diesel price of £1.39 per litre. These calculations also take into account the distance covered which is around 532 miles.

Route 2: Scenic Route

The cost of gas for the scenic route from Cairnryan to Horsham is estimated at £79.40 ($108.71) for petrol and £78.35 ($107.31) for diesel, assuming an average petrol price of £1.42 per litre and diesel price of £1.39 per litre.

Route 3: Combination of Direct and Scenic Route

Taking the combination of the direct and scenic routes is estimated to cost £76.05 ($104.30) in petrol and £74.53 ($102.24) in diesel because the distance covered is similar to the scenic route but the time saved uses petrol.

Other Expenses

Aside from gas, other expenses to consider include tolls, parking fees, and hotel accommodations if you plan on stopping overnight.

Tolls can be a significant expense, especially if you choose the direct route, as there are several tolls along the way. The cost of the tolls can vary, but you should expect to spend at least £25 ($34) each way.

Parking fees are another expense to consider, especially if you plan to stay overnight at a hotel or other accommodation. Expect to pay anywhere from £5 to £50 ($6.80 to $68) per night, depending on the location and type of parking spot.

Recommendations

Based on the distance and cost of gas, the combination of the direct and scenic routes is the best option. It offers some truly picturesque views while still keeping the travel time reasonable. Plus, it only adds about 30 minutes to the direct route, making it a great compromise for those who want to explore the countryside without extending their travel time too much.

Conclusion

The cost of a road trip from Cairnryan to Horsham depends on several factors, including the route you choose, the cost of gas, and other expenses like tolls and parking. Overall, the combination of the direct and scenic routes offers a balance between travel time and the breathtaking views. Be sure to include all of these factors when planning your trip and budget accordingly to ensure that you have a stress-free road trip.