Driving Cost from Carrboro, North Carolina to Cincinnati, Ohio

A picture depicting a gas pump

The Cost of a Road Trip from Carrboro, NC to Cincinnati, OH in 2021

Are you planning a road trip from Carrboro, North Carolina to Cincinnati, Ohio? If so, you might be wondering how much it will cost you to traverse the 480 miles between these two cities. Fortunately, with current gas prices being relatively stable, it’s possible to estimate the cost of your road trip by factoring in a few different variables.

The Route Options

Before we dive into the cost of your road trip, let’s first consider the different route options available to you. There are generally two main routes you can take: the I-40 W and I-75 N route, or the I-64 W and I-75 N route. Here’s a breakdown of each:

Route 1: I-40 W and I-75 N

This route takes you from Carrboro, North Carolina to Cincinnati, Ohio by way of I-40 W and I-75 N. Here’s a detailed breakdown of this route:

  • Distance: 480 miles
  • Time: 7 hours and 40 minutes (without stops)
  • Tolls: None
  • Gas Cost: $51.69 (assuming a 25 miles per gallon car and a price of $2.87 per gallon)

Route 2: I-64 W and I-75 N

This route takes you from Carrboro, North Carolina to Cincinnati, Ohio by way of I-64 W and I-75 N. Here’s a detailed breakdown of this route:

  • Distance: 550 miles
  • Time: 8 hours and 30 minutes (without stops)
  • Tolls: $8 to $10 (depending on where you get on the West Virginia Turnpike)
  • Gas Cost: $61.16 (assuming a 25 miles per gallon car and a price of $2.87 per gallon)

Comparing the two routes, it’s clear that the I-40 W and I-75 N route is shorter and doesn’t have any tolls to pay. However, the I-64 W and I-75 N route isn’t much longer and could be a good option if you want to see more scenery along the way.

Factors Affecting the Cost of Your Road Trip

Of course, the cost of your road trip from Carrboro, North Carolina to Cincinnati, Ohio will depend on several factors besides just the route you take. Here are some other variables that might affect how much you end up spending:

Gas Prices

Gas prices fluctuate regularly, so it’s hard to predict exactly how much you’ll need to spend on gas for your road trip. However, you can get a good estimate by checking the current average gas prices for the states you’ll be driving through.

At the time of writing (August 2021), gas prices in North Carolina and Ohio were around $2.87 per gallon. Although there may be some regional variation, it’s a reasonable assumption that gas prices will remain around this price point for the foreseeable future.

Vehicle Efficiency

The more fuel-efficient your vehicle is, the less you’ll need to spend on gas for your road trip. If you drive a car that gets 30 miles per gallon instead of 25 miles per gallon, for example, you’ll be able to travel the same distance while burning about 20 percent less gas.

However, if your vehicle doesn’t get very good gas mileage, you’ll need to factor in a higher gas cost for your road trip. An SUV or truck might only get around 15 to 20 miles per gallon, which would significantly drive up your fuel costs.

Travel Dates

Finally, the dates you choose to travel can also affect the cost of your road trip. If you’re driving during a holiday weekend, for example, you might encounter more traffic on the roads and higher rates for hotels and restaurants. Additionally, gas prices sometimes go up during peak travel times due to increased demand.

The Total Cost of Your Road Trip

Now that you’re aware of the different route options, as well as the variables that could affect your road trip costs, let’s break down the total cost of each trip.

I-40 W and I-75 N Route

Assuming you drive a car that gets 25 miles per gallon, and gas prices remain at around $2.87 per gallon, your total spending for the I-40 W and I-75 N route would be:

  • Gas: $51.69
  • Tolls: $0
  • Food and drinks: $60 (assuming two people and four meals)
  • Lodging: $100 (one-night stay in a mid-range hotel)

Total: $211.69

Of course, if you have a hybrid or electric vehicle, your gas costs could be significantly lower. And if you choose to stay in a cheaper or more expensive hotel, your lodging costs could change as well.

I-64 W and I-75 N Route

Assuming you drive a car that gets 25 miles per gallon, and gas prices remain at around $2.87 per gallon, your total spending for the I-64 W and I-75 N route would be:

  • Gas: $61.16
  • Tolls: $8 to $10 (depending on where you get on the West Virginia Turnpike)
  • Food and drinks: $60 (assuming two people and four meals)
  • Lodging: $100 (one-night stay in a mid-range hotel)

Total (with $10 in tolls): $239.16

As with the previous route, your overall costs could differ if you have a more fuel-efficient car or decide to stay in a cheaper or more expensive hotel.

The Best Route to Take

When it comes to choosing between the two routes, the I-40 W and I-75 N route is likely the better option for most drivers. It’s shorter, doesn’t have any tolls to pay, and still offers a scenic drive through the Appalachian Mountains.

If you have extra time to spare and want to see more of the countryside, however, the I-64 W and I-75 N route might be worth considering. Just be aware that you’ll need to pay tolls along the way and driving the extra 70 miles could add an hour or more to your overall travel time.

Conclusion

All in all, a road trip from Carrboro, North Carolina to Cincinnati, Ohio is relatively affordable. You’ll spend between $200 and $300 when factoring in gas, food, and lodging expenses, depending on which route you choose and how much you want to spend on hotels and meals.

Assuming you drive straight through without stops at an average speed, the journey should take you around 7-9 hours, depending on the route you pick. Of course, if you decide to stop and see different attractions along the way, you could stretch this time out significantly, but driving straight through is the most efficient way to make the trip.