The Cost of a Cross-Country Trip: Central, SC to Winthrop, WA

If you're looking to embark on a cross-country trip from Central, SC to Winthrop, WA, the first thing you'll need to consider is the cost. There are various routes you can take to get to your destination, each with its pros and cons. In this article, we'll take a look at different routes and give you an idea of how much it will cost you to travel each one.

Route 1: I-40 West and I-84 West

The first route we'll look at takes you through the southern parts of the country. From Central, SC, you'll head west on Interstate 40 and continue until you reach I-84 in Oklahoma. From that point, you'll follow I-84 west to Winthrop, WA. This route takes you through cities such as Little Rock, Memphis, and Salt Lake City.

The total distance for this route is around 2,617 miles and will take approximately 38 hours of driving time. The cost of gas for this route is estimated to be around $615, based on an average gas price of $2.35 per gallon.

Route 2: I-80 West

Another possible route is to take I-80 west from Central, SC. This route takes you through states such as Pennsylvania, Ohio, Illinois, Iowa, and finally cuts through Wyoming before reaching Winthrop, WA. This route takes you through major cities such as Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Chicago, and Cheyenne.

The total distance for this route is about 2,705 miles, and will take around 38 hours of driving time. The estimated cost of gas for this route is around $635 based on the same average gas price as the first route.

Route 3: I-10 West and I-5 North

If you want to make a longer, more scenic trip, heading west on I-10 and then north on I-5 would be the route for you. The journey takes you through the southern parts of the US, then up the West Coast towards Seattle. This route takes you through cities such as Phoenix, Los Angeles, and Portland.

The total distance for this route is approximately 3,435 miles, and you should expect around 51 hours of driving time. The estimated cost of gas for this route is about $810.

Route 4: US 85 North and I-90 West

Finally, you could take a more offbeat route by traveling north on US-85 and then heading west on I-90. This journey takes you through states such as Colorado, Montana, and Idaho; and eventually reaching Winthrop, WA. This route takes you through cities such as Denver, Cheyenne, and Billings.

The total distance for this route is roughly 2,989 miles, and you can expect around 43 hours of driving time. The estimated cost of gas for this route is projected to be around $705.

Recommended Route

All routes have their advantages and disadvantages, but the best route to take would be I-40 West and I-84 West. This route is the shortest and avoids cutting through major cities during peak hours, minimizing chances of traffic and unexpected delays.

Ultimately, based on a cost breakdown, the total travel cost is estimated to be about $615. This estimate is based on an average gas price of $2.35 per gallon, and driving an average car that gets 25 miles per gallon. Other factors to consider are meals, lodging, and entertainment expenses for the duration of the trip.

Conclusion

Traveling cross-country can be a long and expensive journey, but with the right route, it could also be a fun and memorable experience. Taking the time to plan your route and costs, while also considering road conditions during a planned trip, could help you save money and possibly prevent any unwanted surprises during your travels. Overall, though the recommended route is I-40 West and I-84 West, ultimately the most important aspect of any journey is the time you spend, and the memories you make.