The Cost of a Road Trip from Cary, North Carolina to Portland, Maine

Are you planning a road trip from Cary, North Carolina to Portland, Maine and wondering what the cost might be? Well, it depends on your preferred route, gas prices, and vehicle fuel efficiency. Here's a breakdown of the different possible routes and their associated costs:

Route 1: The Coastal Route

If you're looking for some scenic views and don't mind adding a few extra miles to your trip, this route might be for you. The coastal route takes you through Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and finally, Maine. The total distance is approximately 1,150 miles, and it will take you approximately 19 hours to reach Portland.

Assuming your vehicle gets an average of 25 miles per gallon and gas prices are around $2.70 per gallon, the cost of fuel for this trip would be around $155 each way, bringing your total fuel cost to around $310. However, keep in mind that you may encounter tolls and other expenses along the way.

Route 2: The Inland Route

If you're more interested in getting to your destination as quickly as possible and don't mind missing some scenic views, the inland route might be a better option. This route takes you through Virginia, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, and finally, Maine. The total distance is approximately 1,000 miles, and it will take you approximately 16 hours to reach Portland.

Assuming your vehicle gets an average of 25 miles per gallon and gas prices are around $2.70 per gallon, the cost of fuel for this trip would be around $135 each way, bringing your total fuel cost to around $270. Again, keep in mind that you may encounter tolls and other expenses along the way.

Route 3: The Hybrid Route

If you're looking for a compromise between the coastal and inland routes, the hybrid route might be for you. This route takes you through Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Vermont, and finally, Maine. The total distance is approximately 1,100 miles, and it will take you approximately 18 hours to reach Portland.

Assuming your vehicle gets an average of 25 miles per gallon and gas prices are around $2.70 per gallon, the cost of fuel for this trip would be around $150 each way, bringing your total fuel cost to around $300. Again, keep in mind that you may encounter tolls and other expenses along the way.

The Best Route

After considering the three routes, the best option would be the inland route. Not only is it the shortest and quickest, but it's also the cheapest in terms of fuel costs. However, it's important to consider your personal preferences - if you're willing to spend a little extra in fuel costs for the scenic attractions of the coastal route, it may be a better choice for you.

Conclusion

In summary, the cost of a road trip from Cary, North Carolina to Portland, Maine varies depending on your route, gas prices, and vehicle fuel efficiency. The inland route is the most cost-effective, but the coastal route offers some of the most stunning views along the way. Ultimately, it's up to you to decide which route fits your budget and preferences best. Safe travels!