The True Cost of a Roadtrip from Carlisle to Wellington

If you're planning a road trip between Carlisle and Wellington, you'll want to consider the cost. With current gas prices fluctuating regularly, it's important to know exactly what you're getting yourself into before you hit the road. In this article, we'll take a look at the different possible routes and highlight the cost and distance of each one, helping you choose the most cost-effective option.

Possible routes

There are two primary routes to consider when road tripping between Carlisle and Wellington. Each offers its own pros and cons, so it's essential to weigh them up before you set off.

Route 1: M6 and M5

This is the most direct route between Carlisle and Wellington, taking around 4 hours and 30 minutes to complete. You'll need to take the M6 south, and then the M5 towards Wellington. Along the way, you'll pass through major cities such as Birmingham, so there are plenty of opportunities to stop and rest if you need it.

Route 2: A7, M6, M5

This second option includes a few extra twists and turns. Leaving Carlisle, you will head south along the A7 to Haydon Bridge. From there, you'll join the M6 and follow this down to the M5, where you'll head west to Wellington. This route is slightly longer, taking closer to 5 hours to complete, but it does offer some beautiful countryside views along the way.

Route Costs

When it comes to cost, there are three primary factors to consider: gas prices, tolls, and accommodation. As gas prices tend to change quickly, we'll use current prices as a rough estimate.

Gas prices and the cost of trip

The distance between Carlisle and Wellington is around 250 miles, depending on the route you choose. Assuming your car's mileage is around 25 miles per gallon, and gas costs about $2.50 a gallon (as of the time of writing), you should expect to spend around $50 each way on gasoline.

Toll costs

If you take Route 1 via the M6 and M5, you will need to pay tolls along the way. Specifically, you will need to pay for the M6 toll road, which is £7 per journey. This amounts to roughly $10 US dollars. Route 2, which takes you along the A7 before you get to the M6, does not include tolls.

Accommodation costs

Finally, if you're traveling for multiple days, you'll need to factor in the cost of getting a hotel room or AirBnB along the way. UK average daily hotel room rates generally start from £89, which translates to around $123 per night.

The overall cost

Taking all of these factors into consideration, you can expect a road trip between Carlisle and Wellington to cost around $244 for one person, on a one-way trip with no overnight stays. If you include one night's accommodation, the cost rises to an average of $367.

Which route is the best?

There's no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as each route has its pros and cons. However, as Route 1 is both shorter and doesn't require a lot of twists and turns, it's likely to be more cost-effective than Route 2. Additionally, if you're short on time and need to get there quickly, Route 1 is probably the better option.

Conclusion

Overall, a road trip between Carlisle and Wellington can be full of beautiful scenery and interesting stops along the way. However, the cost of travel can add up quickly, so it's essential to know exactly what you're getting into before you set off. By considering the different route options and taking into account gas prices, tolls, and accommodation costs, you can make the most informed decision about what is best for your individual needs. Ultimately, you should expect the trip to take between 4-5 hours, depending on which route you take.