The Cost of a Trip between Carolina and Birmingham

If you're planning a trip from Carolina to Birmingham, Alabama, one of the most important things to consider is your budget. Gas prices are always fluctuating, so it's important to research the most cost-effective route for your journey. In this article, we'll examine the different possible routes from Carolina to Birmingham, the cost and distance of each one, and recommend the best route for the budget-conscious traveler.

Route 1: I-20 W and I-59 S

The first possible route to take is via I-20 W and I-59 S. This route is approximately 428 miles and will take around 6 hours to complete. Along the way, you'll pass through cities such as Atlanta and Birmingham.

According to GasBuddy, as of August 2021, the average gas price in Carolina is $2.93 per gallon, while in Birmingham, it's $2.84 per gallon. Based on a car that gets an average of 25 miles per gallon, you'll need around 17 gallons of gas to complete this journey. Therefore, the total cost of gas for this route would be around $49.81.

Route 2: I-20 W and I-65 S

The second route to consider is via I-20 W and I-65 S. This is a slightly longer distance at around 479 miles, but it could potentially be more cost-effective depending on current gas prices. This route will take you approximately 7 hours to complete.

The average gas price in Carolina, as mentioned earlier, is $2.93 per gallon. In Montgomery, Alabama, which is along this route, the average gas price is $2.77 per gallon. If you take this route, you'll need around 19 gallons of gas to complete the journey. Therefore, the total cost of gas for this route would be around $52.63.

Route 3: US-280 W

The third route to consider is taking US-280 W. This is a slightly shorter distance at around 422 miles, but it could potentially be more expensive depending on current gas prices. This route will take you approximately 7 hours to complete.

According to GasBuddy, the average gas price in Carolina is $2.93 per gallon, and in Birmingham, it's $2.84 per gallon. Along with this route, you'll pass through cities such as Columbia and Columbus. If you take this route, you'll need around 17 gallons of gas to complete the journey. Therefore, the total cost of gas for this route would be around $49.81.

Route 4: I-85 S and I-65 S

The fourth possible route is via I-85 S and I-65 S. This route is slightly longer at around 497 miles, but it could be more cost-effective depending on current gas prices. The duration of this route will take around 8 hours.

The average gas price in Carolina, as mentioned before, is $2.93 per gallon. In Montgomery, Alabama, which is along this route, the average gas price is $2.77 per gallon. Therefore, you'll need around 20 gallons of gas to complete this journey. Hence, the total cost of gas for this route would be around $55.44.

Our Recommendation

Now, based on gas prices and distance, we recommend taking Route 1, which is via I-20 W and I-59 S. This route is the shortest distance compared to other routes and will take you approximately 6 hours to complete. Gas prices are relatively affordable on this route, and you'll pass through major cities such as Birmingham and Atlanta.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the cost of a trip from Carolina to Birmingham, Alabama, will depend on gas prices and the route you choose. Route 1 via I-20 W and I-59 S is the most cost-effective route, with a total cost of gas around $49.81. However, it's essential to keep searching gas prices before the trip to get the most accurate values. Overall, the trip will take around 6 hours to complete, which is reasonable for this distance. Happy traveling!