The Cost of a Road Trip from Canton, Ohio to Gulf Shores, Alabama
It's time to hit the road and explore the South! If you're planning a road trip from Canton, Ohio to Gulf Shores, Alabama, there are several routes to choose from. Each route has different distances and costs, depending on your preferences and budget.
Possible Routes
Route 1: I-77 S and I-65 S (970 miles)
This route is the most direct way from Canton to Gulf Shores, and it takes about 14 hours to drive. Here's a breakdown of the costs:
- Fuel: Assuming your car's fuel efficiency is 30 miles per gallon (mpg) and the current gas price is $2.50 per gallon, you'll need about 32 gallons of gas for the entire trip. That means you'll spend approximately $80 on fuel.
- Tolls: You'll encounter several toll roads along the way, including the West Virginia Turnpike and the Montgomery Expressway. The total toll cost is around $25.
- Accommodation: If you plan to split the drive into two days, you'll need to spend a night at a hotel. The average price for a mid-range hotel in a city along the route is around $100 per night.
Overall, the total cost for this route is about $200. However, if you want to save money, you can consider other routes.
Route 2: I-77 S, I-26 S, and I-65 S (1100 miles)
This route is slightly longer than the first one, but it can be a good alternative if you want to avoid toll roads. Here's a breakdown of the costs:
- Fuel: Assuming your car's fuel efficiency is 30 mpg and the current gas price is $2.50 per gallon, you'll need about 37 gallons of gas for the entire trip. That means you'll spend approximately $93 on fuel.
- Tolls: None
- Accommodation: If you plan to split the drive into two days, you'll need to spend a night at a hotel. The average price for a mid-range hotel in a city along the route is around $100 per night.
Overall, the total cost for this route is about $200 as well. However, keep in mind that the longer distance means you'll spend more time on the road.
Route 3: I-77 S, I-81 S, I-40 W, I-75 S, and I-65 S (1180 miles)
This route is the longest among the three, but it can offer some scenic views and attractions along the way. Here's a breakdown of the costs:
- Fuel: Assuming your car's fuel efficiency is 30 mpg and the current gas price is $2.50 per gallon, you'll need about 39 gallons of gas for the entire trip. That means you'll spend approximately $98 on fuel.
- Tolls: None
- Accommodation: If you plan to split the drive into two days, you'll need to spend two nights at a hotel. The average price for a mid-range hotel in a city along the route is around $100 per night.
Overall, the total cost for this route is about $300. While it has the highest cost, it may be a good option if you want to see some interesting places along the way.
Recommended Route
Based on the costs and distances, Route 2 is the most recommended route. It provides a good balance between cost and time, and it doesn't have any toll roads. Additionally, driving through Tennessee and Alabama can offer some beautiful scenery.
Conclusion
A road trip from Canton, Ohio to Gulf Shores, Alabama can be a fun and exciting adventure. If you're driving, keep in mind the distances and costs of each route, and choose the one that suits you best. Whether you're looking for a quick and direct trip or a scenic drive, there's a route for you. In the end, the most important thing is to enjoy the journey and create unforgettable memories.