The Cost of a Road Trip from Cary, NC to Murfreesboro, TN: Gas Prices and Routes
Are you planning a road trip from Cary, North Carolina to Murfreesboro, Tennessee? The cost of gas is likely a major factor in your decision-making process, so we’ve compiled information on multiple routes and current gas prices to help you determine the most cost-effective route.
Possible Routes
There are a few different routes you can take from Cary to Murfreesboro, each with varying distances and potential costs. Below are three possible routes to consider.
Route 1: I-40 W and I-24 W
This is the most direct route and commonly recommended by mapping services like Google Maps and Waze. Take I-40 W from Cary to Nashville, then continue on I-24 W to Murfreesboro.
Distance: Approximately 517 miles
Current gas prices (as of August 2021):
- North Carolina: $2.90/gallon
- Tennessee: $2.87/gallon
Estimated cost of gas for a round trip (assuming a car with a 14-gallon tank and 25 miles per gallon): $155.20
Route 2: US-64 W and I-40 W
This route takes you through more rural areas of North Carolina and Tennessee. Take US-64 W from Cary, then merge onto I-40 W toward Knoxville before taking I-24 W to Murfreesboro.
Distance: Approximately 560 miles
Current gas prices (as of August 2021):
- North Carolina: $2.90/gallon
- Tennessee: $2.87/gallon
Estimated cost of gas for a round trip (assuming a car with a 14-gallon tank and 25 miles per gallon): $174.08
Route 3: NC-87 S and US-1 S
This route takes you through more of the southeastern portion of North Carolina before meeting up with I-85 S near the North Carolina and South Carolina border. Then, take I-75 S toward Chattanooga before merging onto I-24 E to Murfreesboro.
Distance: Approximately 600 miles
Current gas prices (as of August 2021):
- North Carolina: $2.90/gallon
- Tennessee: $2.87/gallon
Estimated cost of gas for a round trip (assuming a car with a 14-gallon tank and 25 miles per gallon): $186.00
Recommended Route
Based on the distances and estimated costs noted above, the first route – I-40 W and I-24 W – is the most cost-efficient option. While it may not be the shortest distance, it avoids additional hours on the road and potential stops for gas.
Conclusion
Overall, a road trip from Cary, NC to Murfreesboro, TN is possible with careful planning and budgeting for gas expenses. Based on current gas prices, the most cost-effective route is taking I-40 W and I-24 W, which totals an estimated distance of 517 miles and a total gas cost of approximately $155.20 (assuming a car with a 14-gallon tank and 25 miles per gallon). Safe travels!