The Real Cost of Travel Between Calabash and Charlotte, North Carolina
Traveling between cities can be a fun and exciting adventure, but the cost can be a major concern. Calabash and Charlotte, North Carolina, are two cities frequently visited by tourists and locals alike. With a distance of approximately 200 miles, there are different travel options with varying costs. The ultimate goal of this article is to help you plan your trip between both cities and provide you with an estimation of the cost of each travel option.
Travel Options
Before delving into the cost of each travel option, it's important to highlight the different ways you can travel between Calabash and Charlotte. These options are:
Driving
Driving is the most common way to travel between Calabash and Charlotte. The journey takes approximately three hours, depending on the traffic. Driving provides complete freedom and allows you to plan your stops along the way, making it a good option for families. However, the cost of gas and tolls can add up.
Bus or Train
Taking a bus or train is an alternative way of traveling between Calabash and Charlotte. The journey can take up to five hours, but it's less expensive than driving. You can choose from various bus or train companies, such as Greyhound and Amtrak. This option is suitable for solo travelers or those who prefer not to drive.
Flying
Flying is a time-efficient way of traveling between Calabash and Charlotte. Since there is no airport in Calabash, travelers will need to fly to Myrtle Beach International Airport and drive approximately 50 miles to Calabash. On the other hand, Charlotte has Charlotte Douglas International airport. Flights from Myrtle Beach to Charlotte can cost upwards of $150 each. This option is ideal for those who prefer to save time and cover long distances quickly.
Driving Costs
Driving between Calabash and Charlotte provides a scenic view of landscapes, towns, and cities in North Carolina. However, the cost is dependent on the distance, gas prices, and tolls.
Route 1: Via US-17 N and I-95 N
The distance between Calabash and Charlotte via US-17 N and I-95 N is approximately 220 miles. The total cost for one-way driving is:
- Gas cost: $23
- Toll cost: $10
This estimation of the cost is based on the average fuel price in North Carolina of $2.277 per gallon, a car that gets 25 miles per gallon, and the NC Turnpike Authority toll rate.
Route 2: Via US-74 W and I-77 N
The distance between Calabash and Charlotte via US-74 W and I-77 N is approximately 240 miles. The total cost for one-way driving is:
- Gas cost: $26
- Toll cost: $3
This estimation of the cost is based on the average fuel price in North Carolina of $2.277 per gallon, a car that gets 25 miles per gallon, and the NC Quick Pass toll rate.
Based on the cost estimates, Route 1 is cheaper and shorter than Route 2. However, Route 2 has fewer tolls.
Bus or Train Costs
Traveling between Calabash and Charlotte by bus or train is becoming more popular because of its low cost. The most common bus and train companies that provide services between the two cities are Amtrak and Greyhound.
Bus Costs
The estimated cost for a one-way trip from Calabash to Charlotte by bus is between $22 and $28. The price may vary slightly based on the time of year and the seating class.
Train Costs
The estimated cost for a one-way trip from Calabash to Charlotte by train is between $20 and $30. The price may vary based on the time of year and the seating class.
Bus and train trips are less expensive than driving, but they take longer. Bus trips from Calabash to Charlotte can take up to six hours, while train trips can take up to five hours.
Flying Costs
While flying between Calabash and Charlotte may be faster, it can be expensive. Since there is no airport in Calabash, travelers can fly to Myrtle Beach International Airport located approximately 50 miles away from Calabash.
The estimated cost for a one-way trip from Myrtle Beach to Charlotte by plane is between $150 and $225. The price may vary based on the airline, seating class, time of year, and whether the ticket is booked in advance.
Flying can be the quickest way of getting to Charlotte, but it's more expensive than driving, taking the bus, or taking the train.
Conclusion
The cost of traveling from Calabash to Charlotte depends on the method of transport used. Specifically, driving is the most popular method of travel, with the cost of gas and tolls being the primary variables. An estimation of driving costs suggests that Route 1 offers the cheapest option, but Route 2 has fewer tolls.
On the other hand, bus and train trips cost less than driving, but they take longer. Both options can take up to six hours to reach Charlotte.
Finally, flying is the quickest way of getting to Charlotte, but it's more expensive than driving, taking the bus or train. Travelers should consider their budget, how long they have to travel, and whether they prefer leisure over a speedy arrival when choosing the mode of transport to use. Understanding the prices and distances can help travelers better plan their trip and enjoy all that North Carolina has to offer.