Driving Cost from Cayce, South Carolina to St. Louis, Missouri

A picture depicting a gas pump

The Cost of a Road Trip from Cayce, South Carolina to St. Louis, Missouri: Tips to Save Money on Gas

Are you planning a road trip from Cayce, South Carolina to St. Louis, Missouri? The estimated distance is approximately 774 miles, and the trip usually takes around 11 hours and 45 minutes, depending on the route you choose and how many stops you make along the way.

One of the most significant expenses during a road trip is the cost of gasoline, which can vary widely from state to state and even between different gas stations in the same city. In this article, we'll explore some of the possible routes and highlight the cost and distance of each one. We'll also offer some tips to help you save money on gas and get the most out of your trip.

Possible Routes and Costs

There are several routes you can take from Cayce to St. Louis, depending on your preferences and travel plans. The most common ones are:

Route 1: I-26 W and I-40 W

This route takes you from Cayce to Asheville, North Carolina, and then continues to Knoxville, Tennessee, before reaching St. Louis. The estimated distance is 724 miles, and the estimated driving time is around 11 hours and 30 minutes.

According to GasBuddy, the average price of regular unleaded gasoline in South Carolina is around $2.74 per gallon. You'll need to budget around $110 for gas alone, assuming your vehicle has an average fuel economy of 25 miles per gallon.

Here's a breakdown of some of the cities along the way and how much you can expect to pay for gas:

  • Asheville, NC: $2.79 per gallon
  • Knoxville, TN: $2.59 per gallon
  • St. Louis, MO: $2.77 per gallon

Route 2: I-77 N and I-70 W

This route takes you from Cayce to Charlotte, North Carolina, before heading north to Columbus and then west to St. Louis. The estimated distance is 807 miles, and the estimated driving time is around 12 hours and 30 minutes.

The average price of gas in North Carolina is slightly higher than in South Carolina, around $2.88 per gallon. You'll need to budget around $130 for gas alone.

Here's a breakdown of some of the cities along the way and how much you can expect to pay for gas:

  • Charlotte, NC: $2.89 per gallon
  • Columbus, OH: $2.58 per gallon
  • St. Louis, MO: $2.77 per gallon

Route 3: I-85 N and I-65 N

This route takes you from Cayce to Atlanta, Georgia, before heading north to Nashville and then west to St. Louis. The estimated distance is 781 miles, and the estimated driving time is around 12 hours and 15 minutes.

The average price of gas in Georgia is also around $2.84 per gallon. You'll need to budget around $122 for gas alone.

Here's a breakdown of some of the cities along the way and how much you can expect to pay for gas:

  • Atlanta, GA: $2.87 per gallon
  • Nashville, TN: $2.55 per gallon
  • St. Louis, MO: $2.77 per gallon

Route 4: I-26 W and I-81 N

This route takes you from Cayce to Bristol, Tennessee, before heading north to Roanoke and then west to St. Louis. The estimated distance is 841 miles, and the estimated driving time is around 13 hours and 15 minutes.

The average price of gas in Tennessee is slightly lower than in South Carolina, around $2.67 per gallon. You'll need to budget around $134 for gas alone.

Here's a breakdown of some of the cities along the way and how much you can expect to pay for gas:

  • Bristol, TN: $2.65 per gallon
  • Roanoke, VA: $2.68 per gallon
  • St. Louis, MO: $2.77 per gallon

Tips to Save Money on Gas

Gas prices can be unpredictable, but there are some things you can do to minimize your expenses and get the most out of every gallon:

  • Plan your route carefully. Use a map or GPS navigation system to find the shortest and most direct route from your starting point to your destination. Avoid detours, side roads, and congested areas that can add unnecessary miles and require more gas.
  • Take advantage of gas rewards programs. Many gas stations and credit card issuers offer rewards, discounts, or cashback for fuel purchases. Check your local gas stations, grocery stores, and credit card benefits to see if you can save money on gas.
  • Drive at a moderate speed. The faster you drive, the more wind resistance and fuel consumption your car will experience. Try to maintain a steady speed of 55-65 miles per hour on the highway, and avoid sudden braking or acceleration that can waste gas.
  • Pack light. The heavier your car, the more fuel it will use. Try to pack only essential items and leave behind any unnecessary luggage, equipment, or supplies that can add unnecessary weight to your vehicle.
  • Check your tire pressure. Underinflated tires can reduce your car's fuel efficiency and increase the risk of a blowout or accident. Check your car's tire pressure before you hit the road and make sure it meets the manufacturer's recommendations for your vehicle.

Conclusion

In summary, the cost of a road trip from Cayce, South Carolina, to St. Louis, Missouri, depends on many factors, including the route you choose and the price of gas in different states. Route 1, which takes you through Asheville, Knoxville, and St. Louis, is the shortest and most direct route, but it also has the highest gas prices.

As a result, we recommend Route 4, which takes you through Bristol, Roanoke, and St. Louis, and has the lowest gas prices overall. With careful planning, smart driving, and a few money-saving tips, you can make the most of your road trip and enjoy the scenic beauty of the Southeastern United States and the Midwestern Plains.