Driving Cost from Cary, North Carolina to Carrboro, North Carolina

A picture depicting a gas pump

The Cost of a Trip between Cary and Carrboro: A Comparison of Different Routes Based on Gas Prices

If you're planning a trip between Cary and Carrboro, two bustling towns located in North Carolina, one of the things that you'll probably consider is the cost of transportation. The cost of gas is a significant factor that affects the total expenses of any road trip. With the fluctuating gas prices, it's important to know the different routes available and how much they cost. In this article, we'll compare the cost and distance of the different routes between Cary and Carrboro, and recommend the best route based on gas prices.

The Possible Routes between Cary and Carrboro

There are two main routes that you can take between Cary and Carrboro: via I-40 W or via NC-54 W. Both routes offer different advantages and involve varying travel distances and travel times. Let's take a closer look at each of them.

Cary to Carrboro via I-40 W

Using I-40 W is the most popular route between Cary and Carrboro. The route starts from Cary, passes through Chapel Hill, and finally ends in Carrboro. The travel distance is roughly 15.9 miles, and travel time is around 23-minute without traffic.

The map below shows the possible driving routes between Cary and Carrboro via I-40 W:

Cary to Carrboro via I-40 W Map

Cary to Carrboro via NC-54 W

Another possible route that you can take is via NC-54 W. This route also starts from Cary and ends in Carrboro, passing through Chapel Hill as well. However, this route is slightly longer than the I-40 W route at approximately 22.4 miles and a travel time of around 28 minutes without traffic.

The map below shows the possible driving routes between Cary and Carrboro via NC-54 W:

Cary to Carrboro via NC-54 W Map

The Cost of Each Route Based on Gas Prices

Now that we know the possible routes between Cary and Carrboro, let's compare the costs of each of them based on gas prices. For this article's purposes, we will assume a fuel efficiency of 25 MPG and a gas price of $2.70 per gallon, as of July 2021.

Cary to Carrboro via I-40 W

The I-40 W route has a travel distance of roughly 15.9 miles. If we assume a fuel efficiency of 25 MPG and a gas price of $2.70 per gallon, the total fuel cost for this trip would be approximately $2.16 one way.

Cary to Carrboro via NC-54 W

Using NC-54 W, the travel distance will be approximately 22.4 miles. The total fuel cost for a one-way trip at 25 MPG and $2.70 per gallon gas price would be around $3.06.

Based on the comparison of the two routes, the I-40 W route is less expensive than the NC-54 W route, with a difference of $0.90 for a one-way trip. While the NC-54 W route is slightly longer, it could be an option to consider if you prefer a more scenic drive. However, if the cost is your primary concern, I-40 W is the most economical option.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the cost of a trip between Cary and Carrboro largely depends on the route that you take. The I-40 W route is the most popular route and offers significant cost savings compared to the NC-54 W route, with a difference of $0.90 in fuel cost for a one-way trip. While NC-54 W offers a scenic view, the longer distance and more expensive gas cost make it the less attractive option. It's important to consider the cost of gas when planning any road trip to ensure that you stay within your budget. With this information, you can make an informed decision on your next trip between Cary and Carrboro.