The Cost of a Trip Between Catawba, NC and Ellington, CT based on Current Gas Prices

Are you planning a trip from Catawba, North Carolina to Ellington, Connecticut? One of the first things on your mind may be the cost of this road trip. With gas prices constantly changing, it can be challenging to determine the total expense of a long journey. However, by understanding the different routes available and how they affect your overall cost, you can make a more informed decision.

The Possible Routes

First, let's take a look at the possible routes that you can take from Catawba, NC to Ellington, CT, and what each route entails:

Route 1: I-77 N and I-81 N

This route takes you through Virginia and West Virginia, before reaching Pennsylvania and New York, finally ending up in Connecticut. It covers a distance of approximately 709 miles, and the estimated driving time is 11 hours, depending on traffic.

Route 2: I-77 N and I-79 N

This route also takes you through Virginia and West Virginia, like Route 1, but then it goes through Pennsylvania and passes through cities like Harrisburg and Allentown before reaching Connecticut. It is estimated to cover a distance of approximately 703 miles, and the estimated driving time is 11 hours and 40 minutes, depending on traffic.

Route 3: I-77 N and I-80 E

This route takes you through Ohio, before reaching Pennsylvania and New Jersey, and finally, Connecticut. It covers an approximate distance of 763 miles, and the estimated driving time is 12 hours and 30 minutes, depending on traffic.

Route 4: I-40 E and I-81 N

This route takes you through Virginia and West Virginia before reaching Pennsylvania, New York, and finally, Connecticut. It covers an approximate distance of 845 miles, and the estimated driving time is 13 hours and 45 minutes, depending on traffic.

Calculating Gas Costs

Now that we know the different routes available, let's calculate the potential gas costs for each route. Assume gas prices as of September 2021 are $3.25 per gallon.

Route 1: I-77 N and I-81 N

To cover a distance of approximately 709 miles, with an average fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, you would need 28.36 gallons of gas. So the total cost for gas would be approximately $92.

Route 2: I-77 N and I-79 N

To cover a distance of approximately 703 miles, with an average fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, you would need 28.12 gallons of gas. So the total cost for gas would be approximately $91.

Route 3: I-77 N and I-80 E

To cover a distance of approximately 763 miles, with an average fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, you would need 30.52 gallons of gas. So the total cost for gas would be approximately $99.

Route 4: I-40 E and I-81 N

To cover a distance of approximately 845 miles, with an average fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, you would need 33.8 gallons of gas. So the total cost for gas would be approximately $110.

Choosing the Best Route

Based on the potential gas costs and estimated driving time, Route 2 seems to be the most cost-effective and efficient route to reach Ellington, Connecticut from Catawba, NC. While the distance covered is similar to the first route, it has fewer tolls and passes through fewer cities, resulting in lower gas costs overall.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a road trip from Catawba, NC to Ellington, Connecticut is a journey of approximately 703 miles, which can take up to 11 hours and 40 minutes to complete, depending on traffic. The most cost-effective route is I-77 N and I-79 N, which would cost you approximately $91 for gas, given current gas prices. With this information, travelers can plan their trips accordingly and enjoy the journey without worrying about the cost too much.