The Cost of a Trip Between Carmel, Indiana and Winston-Salem, North Carolina: A Breakdown of Possible Routes

As summer approaches, many Americans get ready for their annual road trip. If you are planning to drive from Carmel, Indiana, to Winston-Salem, North Carolina, you may be curious to know what the cost of the trip will be. The cost of a road trip between Carmel and Winston-Salem depends on a few factors: route, vehicle fuel efficiency, and current gas prices. This article will provide a breakdown of possible routes and their associated costs, along with a recommendation for the best route to take.

Route Option 1: I-65 S + I-40 E

The most direct route from Carmel to Winston-Salem is by traveling on I-65 S and I-40 E. This route takes you south on I-65 for about 425 miles, before you turn east on I-40 for another 330 miles to Winston-Salem. The total driving distance for this route is approximately 755 miles.

Using an average gas price of $2.70 per gallon, and assuming your vehicle gets 25 mpg, the estimated cost of gas for this route is about $111. A one-way trip will take you approximately 12 hours, assuming the usual amount of stops.

Route Option 2: I-70 E + I-77 S

Another possibility to reach Winston-Salem is to go east on I-70. Take I-77 south from there and head to Winston-Salem. This route is longer than Option 1, with a total driving distance of approximately 815 miles, so it will take you slightly longer to get there. However, it may be a more enjoyable drive as it passes through the scenic Appalachian Mountains.

Using the same gas price estimates as in Route Option 1, assuming a fuel efficiency of 25 mpg, the estimated gas cost for this route is about $121. With usual stops, a one-way trip for this route will take approximately 13 hours.

Route Option 3: I-69 S + I-74 E

Another choice in driving from Carmel to Winston-Salem is to travel south on I-69, then taking I-74 east to Winston-Salem. This route has a minimum of 845 miles total driving distance, which will take approximately 15 hours to complete, including stops. It also crosses the Appalachian Mountains, offering a picturesque view of the region.

Using the same gas price estimates as the two previous options and a fuel efficiency of 25 mpg, the gas cost for this route is estimated to be around $130.

Best Option

Considering the cost and the driving distance of each route, the best route is I-65 S + I-40 E. It is the most direct and shortest route, with an estimated gas cost of $111. It is also crucial to note that if gas prices rise, traveling shorter distances is more cost-efficient.

Conclusion

Driving from Carmel, Indiana, to Winston-Salem, North Carolina, can be an exciting road trip in the summertime. The total driving distance and cost vary significantly, but the best option seems to be I-65 S + I-40 E, the shortest and direct route, with an estimated cost of $111. Nonetheless, whichever route you pick, you will take home beautiful memories of the Appalachian mountains and a keen sense of America's incredible diversity.