Driving Cost from Carolina Shores, North Carolina to Tampa, Florida

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The Cost of a Trip between Carolina Shores, North Carolina and Tampa, Florida based on Current Gas Prices

Traveling by car is an excellent option across states, allowing one to explore the different cities and tourist attractions in between. If you are planning a trip from Carolina Shores, North Carolina, to Tampa, Florida, you may wonder about the cost of such a venture. In this article, we will give you an estimated cost of the journey based on the current gas prices, the various possible routes, and their distance. We will also highlight the recommended route and provide a conclusion of the trip.

The Possible Routes

Before we delve into the cost of the trip, let us look at the possible routes that you can take. There are two main routes that you can opt for when traveling between Carolina Shores, North Carolina, and Tampa, Florida.

Route via I-95 S and I-4 W

This route is 727 miles long, and typically takes 11 hours and 36 minutes without factoring in the length of stops and your driving speed. It is the fastest and most direct route to take. However, it is not the most scenic as it mainly goes through different cities in the eastern parts of the United States.

To get to I-95 S, you need to take NC-179 E and merge onto Highway 17 S, which later becomes I-95 S. After about 586 miles on I-95 S, you will come to I-4 W, which takes you to Tampa, Florida.

Route via US-17 S and I-75 S

This route is longer than the first route, at 889 miles. It takes about 13 hours and 34 minutes on the road without factoring in stops and your average driving speed. However, it is more scenic and goes through more towns, cities, and tourist attractions worth exploring.

To get to US-17 S, you take NC-179 E, which heads towards NC-130 E then US-17 S and finally I-75 S. After about 847 miles on I-75 S, you will arrive in Tampa, Florida, your final destination.

The Cost of the Trip

The cost of travel varies depending on various factors, including gas prices, vehicle size, and travel distance. As of October 2021, the average gas price in North Carolina is $2.96 per gallon, while Florida's average gas price is $3.11 per gallon. To calculate the cost of the trip, we'll use an average car gas mileage of 25 mpg.

Cost of Trip via I-95 S and I-4 W

The distance between Carolina Shores, North Carolina, and Tampa, Florida, is 727 miles. Therefore, based on the current gas prices, a car that uses 25 mpg will need about 29 gallons of gas to make the one-way trip. The estimated cost of fuel for the trip from North Carolina to Florida is approximately $86.00 (29 x $2.96), without factoring in vehicle maintenance costs and toll fees.

Cost of Trip via US-17 S and I-75 S

The distance between these two locations is about 889 miles. Therefore, using the car's average gas mileage of 25 mpg, the car will need about 35.56 gallons of gas for a one-way trip. The estimated cost of fuel from North Carolina to Tampa, Florida, via the US-17 S and I-75 S route is approximately $110.53 (35.56 x $3.11). This amount does not consider other expenses that may arise on the road, including toll fees and vehicle maintenance, which can increase the estimated cost of travel.

The most recommended route to travel between Carolina Shores, North Carolina, and Tampa, Florida, is via I-95 S and I-4 W. Although the US-17 S and I-75 S route is more scenic, it is longer, which results in extra time and fuel costs. Additionally, the I-95 S and I-4 W route is relatively more direct, with fewer towns and cities to go through.

Conclusion

Traveling by car is an excellent way to explore the beauties of different cities and tourist attractions. The trip from Carolina Shores, North Carolina, to Tampa, Florida, is an excellent example of an adventure that you can take in a car. Based on the current gas prices, the cost of a one-way trip is approximately $86.00 via I-95 S and I-4 W and $110.53 via US-17 S and I-75 S. The recommended route is via I-95 S and I-4 W. Whichever route you take, make sure to check for any toll fees, maintain your vehicle, and drive safely to ensure a memorable trip.