Driving Cost from Cape May, New Jersey to Nags Head, North Carolina

A picture depicting a gas pump

Road Trip from Cape May to Nags Head: The Cost

If you are planning a road trip from Cape May, New Jersey to Nags Head, North Carolina and wondering what the cost will entail, you are in the right place. This article will break down the different possible routes and highlight the cost of each one, with the current gas prices in mind.

Route Options

There are a few different route options to choose from when planning your road trip from Cape May to Nags Head. The most popular routes are:

  1. NJ Turnpike to I-95: This is the most direct route and covers a total of around 375 miles.
  2. Garden State Parkway to Tappan Zee Bridge: This route will take you through New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia, and puts the total mileage at around 475 miles.
  3. U.S. Route 13: This coastal route adds a scenic element to your trip, but also adds around 150 extra miles and puts the total mileage at around 525 miles.

Cost of Each Route

To calculate the cost of each route, we will be using the current gas prices as of June 2021, which is around $3.10 per gallon.

NJ Turnpike to I-95

This is the most direct route and will take about 7 hours to complete, depending on traffic. With a total mileage of around 375 miles, you will need around 12.5 gallons of gas for a one-way trip. This puts the total cost of gas at around $38.75.

Garden State Parkway to Tappan Zee Bridge

This route is longer than the first and will take you through multiple states. On average, it will take around 8 hours to cover the 475 miles. With a total mileage of around 475 miles, you will need around 16 gallons of gas for a one-way trip. This puts the total cost of gas at around $49.60.

U.S. Route 13

This route is the longest of the three, and covers around 525 miles. It is also the most scenic, as it follows the coast down through Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia. However, it will take you around 10 hours to complete. With a total mileage of around 525 miles, you will need around 17 gallons of gas for a one-way trip. This puts the total cost of gas at around $52.70.

The Best Route

Ultimately, the best route for your trip will depend on your preferences and priorities. If you are short on time and don't mind sacrificing the scenic path, then the NJ Turnpike to I-95 is the most direct and cheapest option. However, if you have more time and want to enjoy the journey, then U.S. Route 13 may be worth the extra time and cost.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the total cost of a road trip from Cape May, New Jersey to Nags Head, North Carolina will vary depending on the route you choose. The most direct route will cost around $38.75 in gas for a one-way trip, while the longest and most scenic route will cost around $52.70 in gas for a one-way trip. Ultimately, it is up to you to decide which route is worth your time and money.