Driving Cost from Cary, North Carolina to Mount Vernon, Virginia

A picture depicting a gas pump

The Cost of a Trip Between Cary, North Carolina and Mount Vernon, Virginia

If you're planning a trip between Cary, North Carolina and Mount Vernon, Virginia, the cost of gas is likely to be a significant factor in your travel decisions. With gas prices fluctuating on a daily basis, it can be challenging to plan a trip and calculate the cost of traveling beforehand. In this article, we will explore the various routes one could take when traveling from Cary to Mount Vernon, highlighting the distance and cost of each, and recommend the best route to save some money.

The Route and Distance

Cary, NC, is located in Wake County and is approximately 245 miles away from Mount Vernon, Virginia. There are different routes to take, each with varying distances.

Route 1: The I-95 Option

One of the most common routes people take from Cary, NC to Mount Vernon, VA, is going through I-95 N. This route covers a distance of about 250 miles, and the trip can be completed between 4-5 hours, depending on traffic conditions.

Route 2: The US-301 Option

If you want to avoid the tolls on I-95, one option is to take US-301 N route, which covers approximately 271 miles, making it a slightly longer route than I-95 N. However, some travelers prefer this road, as the traffic is less, and the scenery is much better. This alternative route may take an additional 30 minutes to an hour longer depending on the traffic on Given the added distance to the trip, it may take you a little longer, about 4.5 to 5.5 hours, to get to your destination.

The Cost of the Trip

The cost of a trip between Cary, North Carolina and Mount Vernon, Virginia, will depend on various factors, with gasoline prices being the most significant factor. Fuel prices are continuously fluctuating, and different levels apply in various states. Below, we'll discuss a few scenarios to give you an idea of what it could cost you to make a trip on any given day.

Using Route 1: The I-95 Option

Depending on the type of car you have, the cost of fuel per mile varies. Assuming your vehicle fuel efficiency is 30 miles for a gallon, it will cost about $37.0 given that the cost of gasoline in North Carolina is around $2.59 per gallon, making the trip via I-95. In Virginia, the cost of gas is also changing daily, but as of May 2021, the average gas cost is around $2.85 per gallon. Therefore, for the entire trip, you may spend approximately $50.73 in total for gasoline alone.

Using Route 2: The US-301 Option

The US-301 option takes slightly more miles than I-95, so you should expect to spend more on fuel. Assuming the same fuel requirement of 30 miles per gallon for a vehicle, the total cost for gas will be approximately $42.90. This cost is also dependent on the exact type of car you have and the prices of fuel at the time of the trip. With the extra miles involved in this route, we could assume that the total cost for the whole trip may be approximately $60.54.

Other Cost Considerations

Apart from fuel costs, other expenses may still arise during your trip, such as toll fees, hotel stays if necessary, and food stops. These will add up, making your overall expenses higher than just the price of gasoline.

Based on considerations of cost and other traffic factors, the best route between Cary, NC and Mount Vernon, VA, if you want a direct and fast route, would be to use the I-95 N option. This option is faster than US-301, which makes up for the slight increase in fuel costs. If you have time and love to see the countryside, you can opt for the US-301 option. This route has less traffic and offers a more scenic option compared to the highway.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the cost of fuel is the most significant factor in planning your trip from Cary NC, to Mount Vernon, VA. Depending on the gasoline prices, the distance covered, and the type of vehicle you use, the cost may vary. The I-95 is the recommended route, being the fastest option for those who want to reach their destination quickly while the US-301 route is a more scenic option. In both cases, expect additional expenses resulting from things such as hotel stays, tolls, and food stops during your travel. However, by taking time to plan and calculate cost and mileage, you can ensure that your journey is both enjoyable and cost-effective.