Driving Cost from Calabash, North Carolina to New Orleans, Louisiana

A picture depicting a gas pump

The Cost of a Trip from Calabash, NC to New Orleans, LA: Navigating Gas Prices

Road trips are always exciting, but the cost of gas can be a major factor in deciding whether or not to embark on a long journey. For those traveling from Calabash, NC to New Orleans, LA, navigating gas prices is essential to budgeting for this epic trip. In this article, we will explore the different possible routes, highlighting their distances and costs, and recommend the best route based on current gas prices.

The Routes

There are several routes for travelers to get from Calabash, NC to New Orleans, LA. The most popular routes include:

  • I-85 S and I-20 W
  • I-20 W and I-59 S
  • US-17 S and I-10 W

Each of these routes comes with its own advantages and disadvantages, including distance, cost, amenities, traffic, scenery, and more. Let's break down each one and see which one you should take based on current gas prices.

I-85 S and I-20 W

This route is the shortest option for travelers, coming in at only 870 miles. However, it is also the most expensive due to the tolls and higher gas prices in some areas. The route starts off on I-85 S, which takes travelers through South Carolina and Georgia. The tolls in Georgia can add up quickly, so be sure to budget for them. Once on I-20 W, travelers will pass through Alabama and Mississippi before arriving in Louisiana.

Based on current gas prices, travelers can expect to pay around $240 for this route. With the tolls, the cost could increase by $20-$30. However, the shorter distance also means less wear and tear on your vehicle and a faster arrival time.

I-20 W and I-59 S

Another popular route is taking I-20 W and I-59 S. This route is slightly longer than the previous one, coming in at around 1,050 miles. However, it does not involve any tolls or major cities, so gas prices tend to be lower.

Travelers will start on I-20 W, which takes them through Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi. Then they will switch to I-59 S, which goes through Mississippi and finally into Louisiana.

Based on current gas prices, travelers can expect to pay around $200 for this route. However, the longer distance can add more wear and tear on your vehicle and take longer to reach your final destination.

US-17 S and I-10 W

For those looking for a more scenic route, US-17 S and I-10 W is a great option. This route is longer than the previous two, coming in at around 1,200 miles. However, travelers will get to experience the beauty of the east coast and the Florida panhandle before arriving in New Orleans.

The route starts on US-17 S, which takes travelers through Wilmington, NC, Charleston, SC, and Savannah, GA. Then they will connect to I-10 W in Florida, which takes them through Pensacola and Mobile before arriving in Louisiana.

Based on current gas prices, travelers can expect to pay around $225 for this route. The longer distance also means more wear and tear on your vehicle and longer travel time.

Based on current gas prices, the I-20 W and I-59 S route is the most cost-effective option for travelers. With gas prices averaging around $2.75 per gallon, travelers can expect to pay around $200 for gas. This route also avoids tolls and major cities, making for a more streamlined and stress-free journey.

Of course, travelers should also consider other factors such as traffic, scenery, amenities, and time constraints when deciding which route to take. Those who want to experience the beauty of the east coast may prefer the US-17 S and I-10 W route, while those who want to arrive as soon as possible may prefer the I-85 S and I-20 W route.

Conclusion

Traveling from Calabash, NC to New Orleans, LA can be an exciting adventure filled with sights, sounds, and experiences. However, navigating gas prices is essential to budgeting for this epic trip. By choosing the right route and factoring in other costs, travelers can enjoy a stress-free journey and arrive at their destination without breaking the bank. Safe travels!