The Cost of a Road Trip from Carbondale, Pennsylvania to Orlando, Florida: Navigating Gas Prices
Planning a road trip can be both exciting and daunting. When mapping out the route and estimating costs, it's important to factor in the fluctuating price of gas. In this article, we'll explore the possible routes from Carbondale, Pennsylvania to Orlando, Florida, and detail the cost and distance of each one. We'll also recommend the best route based on those criteria.
Route 1: I-81 S and I-77 S
The first route option is to take I-81 S and I-77 S. This route spans 1,075 miles and will take approximately 16 hours and 20 minutes without considering stops.
Distance and Time
The trip starts by taking I-81 S for 584 miles until reaching Wytheville, Virginia, where you'll continue on I-77 S for 491 miles until reaching Orlando, Florida. During peak times, traffic can be heavy on this route, which can add several hours to your travel time.
Estimated Fuel Cost
The average price of gas in Pennsylvania, as of November 9, 2021, is $3.44 per gallon. If your vehicle gets 25 miles per gallon (MPG), you'll use approximately 43 gallons of gas on this route (1,075 miles divided by 25 MPG). This translates to an estimated fuel cost of $147.92. This calculation is based on prices and MPG estimates that are subject to change.
Route 2: I-95 S
The second route option is to take I-95 S for the entire trip, spanning 1,187 miles and taking approximately 18 hours and 20 minutes.
Distance and Time
This route takes you through the east coast of the US, including major cities like Baltimore and Washington D.C. This can make for a scenic drive but also adds traffic and potentially heavy delays.
Estimated Fuel Cost
According to AAA, the current average gas price in Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia as of November 9, 2021, is $3.06 per gallon. If your vehicle gets 25 MPG, you'll use approximately 47 gallons of gas (1,187 miles divided by 25 MPG) for an estimated fuel cost of $143.82. This calculation is based on prices and MPG estimates that are subject to change.
Route 3: I-81 S and I-95 S
The third route option is to take I-81 S to I-95 S. This route spans 1,238 miles and takes approximately 19 hours and 20 minutes.
Distance and Time
This route brings together the first two option's highways, leading you through Virginia's countryside and the east coast after that.
Estimated Fuel Cost
Based on the average prices discussed above, the estimated fuel cost for this route would be approximately $157.34 (47 gallons of gas) for a vehicle that gets 25 MPG.
Recommendation
Based on the three options, Route 1 (I-81 S and I-77 S) is the most direct and efficient in terms of distance and estimated fuel costs (at the time of writing this article). The estimated cost gives you the peace of mind to plan and manage expenses, and the route should allow for more time to relax and enjoy popular spots in Florida.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when planning a road trip from Carbondale, Pennsylvania to Orlando, Florida, there are several factors to consider. The best route will depend on individual priorities. Route 1 (I-81 S and I-77 S) is recommended based on its direct path, estimated fuel cost, and time efficiency. However, this recommendation is subject to change based on gas prices and road conditions. Whatever route you choose, be sure to factor in gas prices and travel time when budgeting for your trip. With proper planning and consideration, you can ensure a memorable and stress-free road trip to Orlando, Florida.