The Road Trip Between Canterbury, CT and Columbia, SC: A Cost Breakdown
If you're planning a road trip from Canterbury, Connecticut to Columbia, South Carolina, it's important to factor in the cost of travel. From gas prices to tolls, there are often hidden expenses that can add up quickly. In this article, we'll break down the costs of traveling between these two destinations and explore the best routes to take.
Possible Routes
When planning a trip between Canterbury and Columbia, there are a few different routes you can take. The most direct route involves traveling down I-95 South, which spans the eastern United States from Maine to Florida. However, there are also alternative routes that may be more scenic or cost-effective. Let's take a closer look at each option:
I-95 South
The most straightforward route from Canterbury to Columbia is to take I-95 South all the way down. This option covers approximately 740 miles and takes around 12 hours to drive, depending on traffic. This route does involve paying tolls along the way, which can add to the overall cost of the trip.
For example, if you were to take this route and stop for gas every 300 miles, you could expect to pay approximately $190 in gas for a mid-size sedan (assuming an average gas price of $2.50 per gallon). Additionally, tolls along I-95 can add up quickly. In particular, the tolls in New York City, Baltimore, and Richmond can be quite expensive. Depending on your vehicle's size and the number of axles, you could expect to pay anywhere from $20 to $60 in tolls each way.
The Scenic Route
If you're looking to take a more scenic route, you might consider traveling down the Blue Ridge Parkway. This route spans 469 miles through the Appalachian Mountains from Virginia to North Carolina. From there, you can connect with I-77 South and continue on to Columbia.
While this route is longer than the direct I-95 route, it can be a beautiful drive with plenty of opportunities to stop and take in the scenery. However, it's worth noting that this route does not have any gas stations or atms along the way, so it's important to plan ahead.
Taking this route would mean that you would need to stop for gas every 200 miles. The cost of gas would vary by location, but you could expect to spend around $220 in gas for a mid-size sedan. Additionally, there are no tolls along this route.
The Coastal Route
Another option is to take a coastal route down the East Coast. This route would involve taking I-95 South through Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New York, and New Jersey before cutting across Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia to reach North Carolina. From there, you can take I-40 West to connect with I-77 South and continue on to Columbia.
This route spans approximately 1,050 miles and takes around 17 hours to drive, depending on traffic. It also involves paying tolls along the way, particularly in New York City and Baltimore. Depending on your vehicle's size and the number of axles, you could expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $70 in tolls each way.
You would need to stop for gas every 300 miles if you were to take this route. The cost of gas would vary by location, but you could expect to spend around $260 in gas for a mid-size sedan.
Recommendations
While there are several routes you can take between Canterbury, CT and Columbia, SC, the most direct and cost-effective option is likely to take I-95 South. Despite the tolls along the way, this route is the most straightforward and efficient. It's also the shortest, which means you'll spend less time on the road and more time enjoying your destination.
If you're looking to take a more scenic route, the Blue Ridge Parkway is a great option. However, it's worth noting that this route may be more expensive due to the lack of gas stations and atms along the way.
Conclusion
When planning a road trip from Canterbury, CT to Columbia, SC, it's important to consider the cost of travel. From tolls to gas prices, there are many factors that can impact the overall expense of your trip. By weighing the pros and cons of each route, you can determine which option is best for your budget and travel goals. Regardless of which route you choose, be sure to plan ahead and enjoy the journey.