The Cost of a Road Trip from Celina, Texas to Mooresville, North Carolina: A Comparison of Different Routes Based on Current Gas Prices

Taking a cross-country road trip can be an excellent way to explore new areas, experience different landscapes, and create lasting memories and connections with friends and family. Yet, one of the most crucial factors to consider when planning a trip is how much it costs to get there, and drive from Celina, Texas, to Mooresville, North Carolina, is no exception. Here, we compare different possible routes and highlight the cost and distance of each one, so you can get a better sense of what you'll be facing when hitting the open road.

Route 1: The Fastest Route

The fastest and most direct route between Celina and Mooresville is via I-40 East. This route is about 1,078 miles and takes approximately 16-17 hours, depending on traffic and any stops along the way. This route can get you there quickly, but you'll end up going through areas like Memphis, Tennessee, and Little Rock, Arkansas. You'll see some beautiful sights along the way, but there may be a lot of traffic, particularly around major cities.

The Cost

Assuming you have a car that gets 25 miles per gallon, and gas prices are currently around $3.00 per gallon, a one-way trip to Mooresville will cost you approximately $130. This price does not include any potential stops or detours along the way, so it's a good idea to add extra funds to your budget to account for unexpected expenses.

Route 2: The Scenic Route

The scenic route, which is also the longest, takes you through the southern part of the United States via I-20 East and I-77 North. It's almost 1,400 miles to travel from Celina to Mooresville by this route, and it can take around 22 hours. This way, you'll drive through some iconic southern cities and get to experience the unique charm and hospitality of the region.

The Cost

If you choose to go through the scenic route, you'll need to set aside around $180, assuming gas prices are consistent with the previous example. While this trip may take longer than the faster route, you'll get a chance to see many fascinating parts of the country, and take in the beautiful scenery along the way.

Route 3: The Hybrid Route

If you're looking to balance the time and cost of your trip, you might consider a hybrid route that involves taking I-20 East for a stretch and then switching to I-40 East. This route lets you see sights in more of the Midwest, like Oklahoma City and St. Louis, while still keeping you somewhat on track to your destination. The distance you'll need to cover is approximately 1,251 miles, and it will take around 18-19 hours.

The Cost

For this route, calculating the cost is a little tricky since you'll need to split the total cost of the trip between I-20 and I-40. If we take a rough estimate, though, the total trip cost will be around $162, assuming constant gas prices of $3.00 per gallon and a fuel economy of around 25 miles per gallon.

Choosing the Best Route

While all of these routes have their unique benefits, the best route may depend on your personal preferences, budget, and time constraints. If you're looking to get to your destination as quickly as possible and you're willing to pay a little extra for the convenience, the first route may be your best choice. If you're on a tighter budget or you're looking to explore more of the areas you'll be passing through, either the second or third route might be a better fit for you.

Conclusion

No matter which route you decide to take, there is always a trade-off between cost, distance, and time. Hopefully, this guide has given you a better idea of the various routes you can take between Celina, Texas and Mooresville, North Carolina, and how much you can expect to spend on each trip. By being aware of these differences and your personal preferences, you'll be well on your way to having a fun and memorable road trip. Safe travels!