The Cost of a Road Trip from Cary, North Carolina to Scottsville, Virginia
If you’re planning a road trip from Cary, North Carolina to Scottsville, Virginia, you’ve likely got a few things on your mind. How long will it take? What’s the best way to get there? But perhaps most importantly, how much will it cost? In this article, we’ll break down the different routes you can take and give you a good idea of how much you’ll be spending on gas.
Route 1: I-85 N and I-95 N
The first and most direct route is to take Interstate 85 North and then switch to Interstate 95 North. This route is the shortest at just 227 miles, and it usually takes around 3 hours and 40 minutes to complete. However, gas prices can vary significantly, and there are a few tolls along the way. As of October 2021, gas prices in Cary average around $2.95 per gallon of regular unleaded, and in Scottsville they’re around $2.99.
Assuming you’re driving a car that gets 30 miles per gallon and you’ll need to refill your tank twice (once in Richmond and once in Scottsville), you’re looking at a total of 7.5 gallons spent on gas. That means you’ll be spending around $44.25 on gas alone. Toll expenses will depend on the route you take, but you should budget around $5.00 each way for tolls.
Total cost estimate:
- Gas: $44.25
- Tolls: $10.00
- Total: $54.25
Route 2: US-64 W and I-85 S
If you’re looking for a more scenic route that’s still relatively direct, you may want to take US-64 West and then switch to Interstate 85 South. This route is longer at 264 miles, and it may take you closer to 4.5 hours to complete. However, it will save you on gas costs, as gas prices in this area tend to be a bit lower.
Using the same car and MPGs as before, and assuming you’ll need to refill your tank twice (once in Rocky Mount, NC and once in Ashland, VA), you’re looking at a total of 7.0 gallons spent on gas. That means you’ll be spending around $41.30 on gas alone. There are no tolls on this route, so that cuts down on costs significantly.
Total cost estimate:
- Gas: $41.30
- Tolls: $0.00
- Total: $41.30
Route 3: US-1 N and I-64 W
Another option is to take US-1 North and then switch to Interstate 64 West. This route is the longest at 312 miles, and it may take you closer to 5 hours to complete. However, it’s a good option if you’re interested in seeing more of the Virginia countryside. Gas prices along this route are generally similar to Route 1, so you’ll want to budget accordingly.
Using the same car and MPGs as before, and assuming you’ll need to refill your tank twice (once in Fredericksburg and once in Scottsville), you’re looking at a total of 8.4 gallons spent on gas. That means you’ll be spending around $49.56 on gas alone. There are no tolls on this route, so you’ll save on that front as well.
Total cost estimate:
- Gas: $49.56
- Tolls: $0.00
- Total: $49.56
Conclusion
Overall, the cost of a road trip from Cary, North Carolina to Scottsville, Virginia will vary based on the route you take, the current price of gas, and any tolls you may encounter. That being said, the cheapest option is typically Route 2, which will set you back around $41.30 for gas alone. However, if you’re in a hurry, you may prefer the more direct Route 1 despite the higher cost of around $54.25. And if taking a longer, more scenic route through Virginia appeals to you, Route 3 will cost you around $49.56.
Ultimately, deciding which route is best for you will depend on your priorities. If you’re looking to save money, Route 2 is the clear winner. If you’re short on time, take Route 1. And if you’re looking for a more laid-back, scenic drive, Route 3 is a great option. Whatever you choose, enjoy the trip!