The Cost of Driving from Carmel, New York to Charleston, South Carolina

If you plan on driving from Carmel, New York to Charleston, South Carolina, there are a few different routes to consider. Each option has its own distance, cost, and time frame. To help you make an informed decision, we've broken down the various routes here based on gas prices as of September 2021.

The Shortest Route

The shortest route from Carmel, New York to Charleston, South Carolina is roughly 800 miles. The estimated driving time is about 12.5 hours without factoring in stops. This route takes you down Interstate 95 South.

If you were to drive this route in a car that gets 25 miles per gallon, with gas prices at $3.19 per gallon, you'd be looking at a total gas cost of approximately $102.40.

Keep in mind, however, that this route has tolls that can add up. For example, the Delaware Memorial Bridge has a toll of $5 on the way to South Carolina and $8 on the way back, making the total cost of tolls around $26.

The Coastal Route

Another option is taking a more scenic route that follows the coast. This option will take you down I-95 for a bit but then takes you onto Route 13 and Route 17.

This route is slightly longer at about 859 miles, adding an extra hour of driving time. However, it is an opportunity to drive through some beautiful coastal towns.

Factoring in gas prices and the additional mileage, you should expect to spend about $111 on gas. There are several tolls on this route as well, including the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, which costs $14.

The Inland Route

Finally, there is an inland route that takes you through Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia on Route 15 and I-81 South. This is the longest route at approximately 1,000 miles and about 15.5 hours of driving time.

Despite the longer trip, this option could be budget-friendly for those looking to save money on gas. The total cost of gas for this route would be around $128.

There are few tolls on this route, but the crossings on the Pennsylvania Turnpike will set you back $55.

Making your decision

In the end, the route you choose will depend on your priorities. If you want the shortest and fastest route, the interstate route is your best bet. If you enjoy coastal scenery, Route 13 and Route 17 are worth considering. And if budget is your primary concern, Route 15 and I-81 offer the least expensive option.

Regardless of which route you choose, we hope this guide helps you plan a fun and cost-effective road trip from Carmel, New York to Charleston, South Carolina. Safe travels, everyone!