The Cost of a Cross-Country Trip Between Centralia, WA and Stoneville, NC

Planning a cross-country trip can be overwhelming. Between selecting the best route, preparing your vehicle, and budgeting travel expenses, it's easy to get bogged down in the logistics. In this article, we will break down the various routes from Centralia, Washington to Stoneville, North Carolina, and highlight the cost and distance of each one. We will then recommend the best route and provide a conclusion on the estimated trip duration.

Route Options

There are several routes one can take to get from Centralia, Washington to Stoneville, North Carolina. Each route has its advantages and disadvantages, so it's essential to consider your preferences when deciding which one to take. Below are three possible routes you can take:

Route 1: Westward Ho!

This route takes you through the western half of the United States. It's the perfect route if you love scenic drives, as you will pass by many of America's national parks, including Yellowstone, Grand Teton, and Rocky Mountain National Park. Start your journey in Centralia, and head east on WA-508 E towards Tenino. Continue on US-12 E and take the ramp onto I-90 E towards Spokane. Follow the signs for Yellowstone National Park and continue through South Dakota and Nebraska, then turn east onto I-80 towards Pennsylvania. Finally, follow I-81 through Virginia to arrive in Stoneville.

The total distance of this route is approximately 3,400 miles, and the estimated time of arrival is around 49 hours. However, the cost of gas for this route can be expensive, with an estimated cost of $700 based on gas prices of $3.00 per gallon.

Route 2: The Southern Trail

This route takes you through several southern states, providing a glimpse of the southern culture and hospitality. Begin your journey in Centralia, and head south on I-5 toward Portland. Take exit 299B and follow Greenwood Avenue until you reach the border between California and Oregon. Continue on I-5 through California, then take I-40 east towards North Carolina. Finally, continue onto US-29 N, and you will reach Stoneville.

The total distance of this route is approximately 2,850 miles, and the estimated time of arrival is around 43 hours. However, the estimated gas cost for this route is around $460 based on gas prices of $3.00 per gallon.

Route 3: The Central Corridor

This route takes you through the central part of America, passing through many large cities, including Denver, Kansas City, and St. Louis. Begin your journey in Centralia and head east on WA-508 E towards Tenino. Follow US-12 E and take the exit for I-90 E towards Spokane. Continue on I-90 E through Montana, Wyoming, and South Dakota. When you reach Sioux Falls, take I-29 south towards Kansas City. Finally, take US-50 east to St. Louis and continue on I-64 E towards Roanoke, Virginia. Continue on I-81 N to reach Stoneville.

The total distance of this route is approximately 3,050 miles, and the estimated time of arrival is around 45 hours. The estimated gas cost for this route is approximately $540 based on gas prices of $3.00 per gallon.

The Best Route

Considering the distance and overall cost, the best route for the trip between Centralia, Washington, and Stoneville, North Carolina is Route 2, the Southern Trail. Though it may not offer the same scenic drives as Route 1, it's the most cost-effective option and still offers a chance to experience southern charm and hospitality. Additionally, this route takes you through several large cities, allowing for plenty of stops and sightseeing opportunities.

Conclusion

Overall, preparing for a cross-country trip can be daunting, but with proper planning, you can have an enjoyable and stress-free experience. When considering routes, it's essential to balance distance, cost, and personal preferences. In the end, Route 2, the Southern Trail, offers the best balance between cost and experience. With an estimated cost of $460 and a total distance of 2,850 miles, it's the most cost-effective option with plenty of sightseeing opportunities along the way.