The Cost of a Trip between Cary and High Point based on Current Gas Prices

Traveling between Cary and High Point in North Carolina can be an exciting adventure. Whether you are going there for work or leisure, knowing the different travel options can help you have a more enjoyable and memorable trip.

One important factor that can significantly affect your travel experience is the cost of the trip based on current gas prices. In this article, we'll break down the possible routes you can take between Cary and High Point, highlight the cost and distance of each one, and recommend the best route for you.

Possible Routes

1. The I-40 Route:

One of the most common routes that people take when traveling between Cary and High Point is via the I-40. This route is also the quickest, with a total distance of approximately 70 miles, and it takes around 80-90 minutes to complete the trip.

If you're taking this route, you'll be driving on the interstate highway, which means you'll be faced with tolls along the way. The tolls on I-40 are based on the distance you travel and can range from $2 to $6 per toll plaza. So, if you go through four toll plazas, you can expect to spend around $24 on tolls one way.

When it comes to gas prices, you'll need to consider how much your car consumes per mile and the current price of gas per gallon. On average, a car can travel around 25-30 miles per gallon on the highway. Currently, the average gas price in North Carolina is around $2.65 per gallon.

2. The I-85 Route:

Another popular route to consider when traveling between Cary and High Point is via the I-85. This route has a total distance of approximately 85 miles and takes around 1.5 to 2 hours to complete the trip.

Unlike the I-40 route, you won't have to go through any toll plazas when taking the I-85. However, you'll need to consider how much gas you'll need for the trip. On average, a car can travel around 20-25 miles per gallon on the interstate highway. If we use the current gas price in North Carolina as mentioned earlier, you can expect to spend around $22 to $28 on a one-way trip.

3. The Back Road Route:

If you prefer taking the scenic route and don't mind a longer drive, you can also consider taking the back roads between Cary and High Point. This route can provide you with a more relaxed atmosphere and the opportunity to explore the countryside.

However, taking the back roads also means that you'll be driving on rural roads with a slower speed limit compared to the interstate highway. The total distance of this route can vary depending on the specific path you take, but it can take around 2.5 to 3 hours to reach your destination.

When it comes to gas prices, you'll need to consider the distance you're traveling and the average gas mileage of your car. If we assume that you're traveling around 100 miles one way and your car can travel around 20 miles per gallon, you can expect to spend around $30 on gas.

Our Recommendation

Based on the information we've provided above, the I-85 route is the most cost-effective and time-efficient route to take between Cary and High Point at the current gas prices. While the I-40 route is quicker, it would cost you more in tolls, which might not be worth it in the long run.

If you do choose the I-85 route, make sure to fill up your gas tank before you depart, and consider packing some snacks or meals for the trip, as there aren't any rest stops along the way apart from gas stations.

Conclusion

Traveling between Cary and High Point can be an exciting adventure, but it's important to consider the cost of the trip based on current gas prices to ensure you have a stress-free and fun experience. Whether you choose the I-40, I-85, or back road route, make sure to plan your trip ahead of time and decide on what works best for your specific travel needs. Safe travels!