The Cost of a Trip Between Carolina Beach, NC and Orlando, FL Based on Current Gas Prices

If you're planning a road trip from Carolina Beach, North Carolina to Orlando, Florida, you're in for a treat. The route offers some of the best scenery in the country and is a perfect way to explore the East coast. Though it's quite a long drive, the trip is definitely worth it - especially now that gas prices are low. In this article, we'll look at the different possible routes, the cost of each one, and make recommendations on the best way to get to Orlando.

Route 1: I-95 South

The first route to consider is the I-95 South - it's the most direct route and takes you straight from Carolina Beach to Orlando. The total distance you'll cover is about 593 miles, and the expected driving time is around 9 hours and 17 minutes. Note that this driving time does not include any stops along the way, so it's a good idea to factor in extra time for food, rest, and refueling.

If your car gets an average of 25 miles per gallon (MPG), you'll use around 23.7 gallons of gas during the trip. At a cost of $1.85 per gallon (based on the current national average), you'll spend about $43.90 on gas one way. Take into account that the price of gas will vary depending on where you fill up, so keep this in mind when budgeting for your trip.

Route 2: US-17 and I-95 South

Another route to consider is the US-17 and I-95 South route. This route takes you through a slightly different path and it's longer than the previous one. The total distance is approximately 640 miles, and it takes around 10 hours and 8 minutes to drive it. The difference in distance and driving time is not so significant, but it's good to be aware of.

The gas costs for this route will be around $49.44 one way, given the same gas price and gas mileage assumptions we used for Route 1. Again, this price may vary depending on the price of gas at different stations along the way.

Route 3: Coastal Route

If you're looking for a scenic route and don't mind taking a bit longer, you should consider the coastal route. This route follows the shoreline and takes you through some beautiful towns and cities along the way. The total distance is around 700 miles, and it takes approximately 13 hours to complete. It's important to note that this route may be longer in terms of driving distance, but if you're traveling during peak season or the holidays, it might end up being faster than Route 1 due to traffic.

This route might be more expensive in terms of gas costs - you'll need around 28 gallons of gas, which translates to about $51.80 one way (using the same gas price and MPG calculations we used for the other routes).

Recommendations

Of course, the route you take depends on various factors, such as your preference for scenic drives or direct routes, your timeframe, and your budget. That said, we recommend taking Route 1 if you're looking for the quickest way to get from Carolina Beach to Orlando. If you're not in a hurry and want to take your time exploring some small towns and cities along the way, consider Route 3. Route 2 is a middle option that offers some variation in scenery and driving time, but may be best for those who want to avoid traffic.

Whatever route you choose, make sure you're prepared with a full gas tank, snacks, drinks, and any other necessities you might need on the road. Also, be sure to check your tires and brakes before embarking on the trip for your safety and to avoid unexpected maintenance costs.

Conclusion

A road trip from Carolina Beach to Orlando can be a fantastic experience whether you're traveling alone or with friends and family. With current gas prices, it can be a more affordable option than flying or taking a train. If you're looking for a quick and direct route, consider taking I-95 South. If you're looking for a scenic route, consider the coastal route. Finally, if you're looking for a middle option, take US-17 and I-95 South. Whichever route you take, enjoy the ride and soak up the sights.