The Cost of a Trip between Cary, North Carolina and Washington, D.C.

Planning a trip between Cary, North Carolina and Washington, D.C. can be a daunting task. With approximately 282 miles separating the two cities, how do you decide on the best route and calculate the cost of travel? In this article, we will break down the different possible routes and highlight the cost and distance of each one. We will also recommend the best route based on current gas prices. Let's get started!

Route 1: Via I-85N and I-95N

The first possible route is via I-85N and I-95N. This route is approximately 282 miles and takes around 4 hours and 20 minutes to drive without traffic. To calculate the cost of this trip, we need to consider gas prices, toll fees, and other expenses.

According to GasBuddy, the average gas price in Cary, North Carolina is $2.65 per gallon as of August 2021. The average gas price in Virginia (which is along the I-85N and I-95N route) is $2.80 per gallon. If your car averages 25 miles per gallon, you will need approximately 11.28 gallons of gas for this trip, which would cost $29.89 in Cary and $31.57 in Virginia. So, the total cost for gas would be approximately $61.46.

In addition to gas prices, toll fees are also a consideration on this route. According to the Virginia Department of Transportation, there are two tolls on this route: one at the Virginia-North Carolina border and one at the Virginia-Maryland border. The toll at the Virginia-North Carolina border is $3.00 for cars and the toll at the Virginia-Maryland border is $6.00 for cars. So, the total toll fees for this route would be $9.00.

Finally, you may also need to factor in parking fees and other expenses like food and drinks. If we assume a total of $20.00 for these expenses, the total cost for this route would be approximately $90.46.

Route 2: Via I-95N

The second possible route is via I-95N. This route is approximately 286 miles and takes around 4 hours and 30 minutes to drive without traffic. To calculate the cost of this trip, we again need to consider gas prices, toll fees, and other expenses.

According to GasBuddy, the average gas price in Cary, North Carolina is $2.65 per gallon as of August 2021. The average gas price in Maryland (which is along the I-95N route) is $2.90 per gallon. If your car averages 25 miles per gallon, you will need approximately 11.44 gallons of gas for this trip, which would cost $30.33 in Cary and $33.20 in Maryland. So, the total cost for gas would be approximately $63.53.

In terms of toll fees, there is only one toll on this route: at the Maryland-Delaware border. The toll for cars is $4.00. So, the total toll fee for this route would be $4.00.

Similarly, you may need to factor in parking fees and other expenses. If we assume a total of $20.00 for these expenses, the total cost for this route would be approximately $87.53.

Route 3: Via US-1 and I-295

The third possible route is via US-1 and I-295. This route is approximately 292 miles and takes around 4 hours and 50 minutes to drive without traffic. To calculate the cost of this trip, we again need to consider gas prices, toll fees, and other expenses.

According to GasBuddy, the average gas price in Cary, North Carolina is $2.65 per gallon as of August 2021. The average gas price in Virginia (which is along the US-1 and I-295 route) is $2.80 per gallon. If your car averages 25 miles per gallon, you will need approximately 11.68 gallons of gas for this trip, which would cost $31.09 in Cary and $32.79 in Virginia. So, the total cost for gas would be approximately $63.88.

In addition to gas prices, toll fees are also a consideration on this route. According to the Virginia Department of Transportation, there is one toll on this route at the Petersburg Expressway. The toll for cars is $1.00. So, the total toll fee for this route would be $1.00.

Finally, you may also need to factor in parking fees and other expenses. If we assume a total of $20.00 for these expenses, the total cost for this route would be approximately $84.88.

Recommendation

Based on current gas prices and toll fees, the most cost-effective route for a trip between Cary, North Carolina and Washington, D.C. is via I-95N. It has the lowest total cost at approximately $87.53. However, it is important to note that the shortest route (via I-85N and I-95N) may be the quicker option depending on traffic conditions, so it is worth considering this route if time is a concern.

Conclusion

In summary, there are different possible routes for a trip between Cary, North Carolina and Washington, D.C., each with a different cost and distance. By considering gas prices, toll fees, and other expenses, we can calculate the total cost for each route. Based on current gas prices and toll fees, the most cost-effective route is via I-95N at a total cost of approximately $87.53. However, it is important to also consider the shortest route via I-85N and I-95N if time is a concern. Ultimately, the choice of route will depend on individual preferences and priorities. Whatever route you choose, we wish you a safe and enjoyable trip!