The Cost of a Trip between Cardiff and City of Edinburgh: Driving Through Scotland

If you're planning a road trip from Cardiff to the City of Edinburgh, you'll definitely need to plan your budget accordingly. With rising gas prices, the cost of a long drive can add up quickly. In this article, we'll explore the most popular routes between these two cities and compare the cost and distance of each one. We'll also recommend the best route based on the total cost and time.

Route options

There are three main routes you can take to travel from Cardiff to the City of Edinburgh: the West Coast, the East Coast, and the Midlands. Each has its own pros and cons, so you'll want to consider which route is best based on your budget, travel time preference, and any stops you might want to make along the way.

The West Coast Route

One option is to drive up the west coast of England and Scotland. This route follows the M5, M6, and M74 motorways, and then the A74(M) into Scotland. This route is about 430 miles and typically takes about 7 hours to drive.

The East Coast Route

Another option is to follow the east coast of England and Scotland. This route follows the M1, A1(M), and M90 motorways. This route is about 450 miles and typically takes about 8 hours to drive.

The Midlands Route

The third option is to drive through the Midlands region. This route follows the M50, M6, and M6 Toll motorways, and then the A74(M) into Scotland. This route is about 430 miles and typically takes about 7 hours to drive.

Cost Analysis

Now, let's look at the cost of traveling between Cardiff and Edinburgh based on gas prices as of October 2021. The following calculations are based on an average car fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon and a gas price of £1.21 per liter. Please keep in mind that these are estimates and your actual costs may vary based on your car's fuel efficiency, driving style, and variations in gas prices.

The West Coast Route

For the West Coast route, you will need to travel approximately 430 miles. At an average fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, you will need approximately 17 gallons of gas. At a fuel cost of £1.21 per liter, the total cost for gas would be around £90.

The East Coast Route

For the East Coast Route, you will need to travel approximately 450 miles. At an average fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, you will need approximately 18 gallons of gas. At a fuel cost of £1.21 per liter, the total cost for gas would be around £95.

The Midlands Route

For the Midlands Route, you will need to travel approximately 430 miles. At an average fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, you will need approximately 17 gallons of gas. At a fuel cost of £1.21 per liter, the total cost for gas would be around £90.

The Best Route

Based on our analysis of the cost and distance of each route, we would recommend taking the West Coast Route. This route offers the cheapest fuel cost at around £90, and it also takes about an hour less time to drive than the East Coast Route, even though both routes cover almost the same distance. While the Midlands Route is another viable option, it doesn't offer any significant advantages over the other two options.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you're planning a road trip from Cardiff to Edinburgh, you'll want to choose your route carefully in order to minimize your fuel costs. By analyzing the cost and distance of each route and considering your desired travel time and potential stops, you can make an informed decision about which route to take. Based on our analysis, we recommend taking the West Coast Route, which offers the lowest fuel cost and shortest travel time. No matter which route you choose, we hope you have a safe and enjoyable journey!