Driving Cost from Cary, North Carolina to Washington, North Carolina

A picture depicting a gas pump

The Cost of a Road Trip from Cary to Washington, NC: How Much Will You Spend on Gas?

If you're planning a trip from Cary, North Carolina to Washington, North Carolina, one of the things that may be on your mind is the cost of gas. Since both towns are in the eastern part of the state, you have to cover quite a distance if you want to visit one from the other. To help you plan your trip, we'll give you an idea of how much you can expect to pay for gas, depending on which route you take.

Possible Routes

Before we dive into the specifics of how much it costs to travel between the two towns, let's look at the different routes you can take. There are three main routes you can choose from:

  1. Via I-40 E and NC-11 N
  2. Via US-264 E and NC-33 E
  3. Via US-64 E and NC-33 E

Each of these routes has its pros and cons in terms of distance and driving conditions. Let's take a closer look at each one.

Route 1: Via I-40 E and NC-11 N

The first route takes you from Cary to Washington via I-40 E and NC-11 N. This route covers a distance of approximately 163 miles, and depending on traffic, it can take anywhere from 2 hours and 44 minutes to 3 hours and 30 minutes to complete.

The advantage of this route is that it is the shortest of the three, and you can travel at a faster speed for most of the journey. However, keep in mind that you'll be traveling on highways for most of the journey, so you'll have to pay tolls and deal with potential delays due to traffic.

Route 2: Via US-264 E and NC-33 E

The second route takes you from Cary to Washington via US-264 E and NC-33 E. This route covers a distance of approximately 172 miles, and depending on traffic, it can take anywhere from 3 hours and 10 minutes to 4 hours to complete.

The advantage of this route is that it takes you through some of the smaller towns in the region, so you can take your time and enjoy the scenery. However, keep in mind that the roads may be narrower, and you may encounter more traffic lights and stop signs, which can slow you down.

Route 3: Via US-64 E and NC-33 E

The third and final route takes you from Cary to Washington via US-64 E and NC-33 E. This route covers a distance of approximately 193 miles, and depending on traffic, it can take anywhere from 3 hours and 30 minutes to 4 hours and 30 minutes to complete.

The advantage of this route is that it takes you through some of the state's most scenic areas, such as the Croatan National Forest. However, keep in mind that the distance is the longest of the three, and you may encounter more potential traffic delays.

Gas Prices

Now that we've discussed the different routes you can take, let's talk about gas prices. According to GasBuddy, the average gas price in North Carolina as of August 2021 was $2.89 per gallon. To determine how much it will cost you to travel between Cary and Washington, we'll assume that your vehicle gets an average of 25 miles per gallon and that you'll need to fill up your tank at least once on your journey.

Route 1: Via I-40 E and NC-11 N

If you choose Route 1, you'll need to cover a distance of 163 miles, which equates to 6.52 gallons of gas. At $2.89 per gallon, you can expect to pay approximately $18.86 one way.

Route 2: Via US-264 E and NC-33 E

If you choose Route 2, you'll need to cover a distance of 172 miles, which equates to 6.88 gallons of gas. At $2.89 per gallon, you can expect to pay approximately $19.87 one way.

Route 3: Via US-64 E and NC-33 E

If you choose Route 3, you'll need to cover a distance of 193 miles, which equates to 7.72 gallons of gas. At $2.89 per gallon, you can expect to pay approximately $22.29 one way.

Recommendation

Based on the information we've provided, we recommend choosing Route 1 if you're looking for the most efficient and cost-effective route. While there are tolls and potential traffic delays along the way, the shorter distance means you'll spend less on gas overall.

If you're in the mood for a more leisurely journey and want to take your time, Route 2 is a good option. Just keep in mind that you may encounter more traffic lights and stop signs on this route, which can slow you down.

While Route 3 is the most scenic of the three, the longer distance and potential traffic delays mean you'll spend the most on gas if you choose this route.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you're planning a trip from Cary to Washington, North Carolina, you can expect to pay approximately $18.86 to $22.29 for gas, depending on which route you choose and the current average gas prices. While there are pros and cons to each route, choosing Route 1 is likely your best option if you're looking to save money on gas and get to your destination quickly. Regardless of which route you choose, be sure to fill up your tank before you hit the road!