Driving Cost from Calera, Alabama to Frederick, Maryland

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The Cost of a Trip from Calera, Alabama to Frederick, Maryland: A Breakdown of Gas Prices and Routes

If you're planning a road trip from Calera, Alabama to Frederick, Maryland, you're likely weighing the cost of gas against the distance of the journey. While there's no one-size-fits-all answer to how much it will cost you to drive from one state to another, there are a few routes and options to consider. In this article, we'll break down the cost of a trip between Calera and Frederick, exploring the various routes and associated gas prices, and offering recommendations for the most cost-effective trip.

The Cost of Gas

Before we delve into the different routes and costs of each, let's take a look at the current gas prices as of October 2021. According to GasBuddy, the average price of a gallon of regular gas in Alabama is $2.85. In Maryland, the average price is slightly higher at $3.16. With these prices in mind, it's clear that gas prices will be a significant expense for any Calera-to-Frederick road tripper.

Route Options

There are several route options to get from Calera to Frederick, including the I-65 and I-81 routes and a few variations in between. Let's explore the pros and cons, estimated gas costs, and distances for each option.

Option 1: I-65 and I-81 Route

This route takes drivers up through Tennessee, Virginia, and then into Maryland. Here's a breakdown of the estimated gas cost and distance for each leg of the journey:

  1. Calera, Alabama to Knoxville, Tennessee (215 miles): For this leg of the journey, you'll need approximately 7.1 gallons of gas, which will cost roughly $20.25.
  2. Knoxville, Tennessee to Roanoke, Virginia (295 miles): This portion of the trip will require approximately 9.83 gallons of gas, which will cost roughly $27.98.
  3. Roanoke, Virginia to Frederick, Maryland (174 miles): The final stretch of the journey will need approximately 5.8 gallons of gas at an estimated cost of $16.48.

Overall, this route covers about 684 miles and will cost around $64.71 in gas alone.

Option 2: I-65 and I-81 with a Stop in Greensboro, North Carolina

This route takes drivers on a slight detour through North Carolina but could be a more cost-effective option. Here's the estimated gas cost and distance breakdown for each leg of the journey:

  1. Calera, Alabama to Greensboro, North Carolina (523 miles): The first leg of this journey requires an estimated 17.43 gallons of gas, which will cost approximately $49.67.
  2. Greensboro, North Carolina to Roanoke, Virginia (131 miles): This stretch of the journey will require approximately 4.37 gallons of gas, costing roughly $12.43.
  3. Roanoke, Virginia to Frederick, Maryland (174 miles): The final leg of the journey needs approximately 5.8 gallons of gas at an estimated cost of $16.48.

Overall, this longer route covers approximately 828 miles and will cost around $78.58 in gas.

Option 3: I-20 and I-95 Route

This route takes drivers east to South Carolina before turning north and following the I-95 to Maryland. Here's the estimated gas cost and distance breakdown for each leg:

  1. Calera, Alabama to Atlanta, Georgia (153 miles): For this portion of the journey, you'll require approximately 5.1 gallons of gas at an estimated cost of $14.54.
  2. Atlanta, Georgia to Florence, South Carolina (297 miles): This leg requires an estimated 9.9 gallons of gas, which costs approximately $28.22.
  3. Florence, South Carolina to Richmond, Virginia (387 miles): To complete this leg, drivers will need around 12.9 gallons of gas and pay about $36.74
  4. Richmond, Virginia to Frederick, Maryland (114 miles): Finally, you will need approximately 3.8 gallons of gas at an estimated cost of $10.81.

Overall, this route covers approximately 951 miles and will cost around $90.31 in gas alone.

Recommendations

Based on the breakdown above, the most cost-effective option to travel from Calera, Alabama to Frederick, Maryland is the I-65 and I-81 route. While this route may be slightly longer than the other options, it costs about $13 less in gas than the most direct route, and detours through Greensboro could create further savings.

Conclusion

As you can see, the cost of a road trip from Calera, Alabama to Frederick, Maryland, will vary depending on the route you take, the gas prices at the time of the journey, and the vehicle's gas mileage capabilities. However, by carefully analyzing the different options available, travelers can make informed decisions about the cheapest and most efficient route to get them to their destination. Once you arrive in Frederick, Maryland, you can rest easy knowing that you've made smart choices on the open road. Safe travels!