Driving Cost from Cary, North Carolina to Fairfax, Virginia

A picture depicting a gas pump

The Cost of a Trip between Cary, North Carolina and Fairfax, Virginia Based on Current Gas Prices

Are you planning a trip between Cary, North Carolina, and Fairfax, Virginia, but unsure of the cost? Gas prices can fluctuate and so can the cost of your road trip. This article breaks down the different routes and estimates their costs to help you make an informed decision.

Possible Routes

There are three main routes when driving from Cary, NC to Fairfax, VA:

  1. I-95 N - This is the most direct route, going straight up I-95 N for about 250 miles.
  2. US-1 N - A slightly longer route, taking US-1 N for around 270 miles.
  3. US-15 N/US-29 N - The longest route, taking US-15 N and US-29 N for a total of around 320 miles.

I-95 N

The first and most direct route is I-95 N. This is the quickest route, but it can also be the most expensive in terms of gas. The distance between Cary and Fairfax, VA via I-95 N is 251 miles, and it takes around 4 hours to drive.

According to AAA's Gas Prices website, the average gas price in Cary, NC, as of October 2021, is $2.95 per gallon. Gas prices along the I-95 corridor can vary widely, so it's worth using a gas price estimator to determine the cost of fueling along the way.

To get an estimate, we'll assume an average gas price of $3.25 per gallon. A typical car gets around 25 miles per gallon on the highway. The I-95 N route is around 251 miles, so it will cost around $33.67 in gas for a one-way trip. Roundtrip, it will cost around $67.34.

US-1 N

The next route is taking US-1 N for around 270 miles. Although it's a slightly longer route, it may be a more scenic drive than I-95 N. It takes around 4 hours and 30 minutes to drive from Cary to Fairfax, VA, using US-1 N.

Assuming an average gas price of $3.25 per gallon, a car traveling on US-1 N will use roughly the same amount of gas as driving on I-95 N. This route will cost around $37.50 in gas for a one-way trip. Roundtrip, it will cost around $75.

US-15 N/US-29 N

The longest route is taking US-15 N and US-29 N for around 320 miles. This route is around 5 hours and 30 minutes in driving time.

Assuming an average gas price of $3.25 per gallon, a car traveling on US-15 N and US-29 N will use more gas than the other two routes. This route will cost around $44 in gas for a one-way trip. Roundtrip, it will cost around $88.

Considering time and cost, the recommended route would be I-95 N. It's the shortest route, which means less time spent on the road and less money spent on gas. However, if you're looking for a more scenic route, US-1 N has plenty to offer in terms of greenery and views.

Conclusion

When planning your trip from Cary, North Carolina, to Fairfax, Virginia, it's helpful to know the different possible routes and their estimated costs. The recommended route is I-95 N, as it's the quickest and most cost-effective. But if you're looking for a more scenic drive, US-1 N may be a better option. Regardless of the route, remember to budget for gas costs and use a gas price estimator for the most accurate estimates. Safe travels!