The Cost of Driving From Chapel Hill, NC to Baltimore, MD
Are you planning a road trip from Chapel Hill, North Carolina to Baltimore, Maryland? Whether you are visiting family, going on vacation, or attending a business conference, you might be wondering how much this trip will cost you. In this blog post, we will break down the costs of the trip based on current gas prices to help you plan your budget.
The Different Routes
There are different routes you can take to travel from Chapel Hill to Baltimore. The most common routes include:
Route 1: Via I-85 N and I-95 N
This is the most direct route from Chapel Hill to Baltimore. It is approximately 320 miles and takes about 5 hours and 15 minutes to complete, depending on traffic.
- Distance: 320 miles
- Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
- Gas Price: $2.89/gallon (the average price in North Carolina as of August 2021)
- Estimated Gas Cost: $49.20 (based on a car that gets 25 miles per gallon)
- Toll Prices: None
Route 2: Via US-29 N and I-70 E
This route is slightly longer than Route 1, but it avoids some of the traffic congestion that can occur on I-95. It is approximately 350 miles and takes about 5 hours and 45 minutes to complete.
- Distance: 350 miles
- Time: 5 hours 45 minutes
- Gas Price: $2.89/gallon
- Estimated Gas Cost: $56.00 (based on a car that gets 25 miles per gallon)
- Toll Prices: None
Route 3: Via I-85 N and US-29 N
This route takes you through Greensboro and Danville before you head on US-29 to Baltimore. It is approximately 375 miles and takes about 6 hours to complete.
- Distance: 375 miles
- Time: 6 hours
- Gas Price: $2.89/gallon
- Estimated Gas Cost: $60.00 (based on a car that gets 25 miles per gallon)
- Toll Prices: None
Route 4: Via I-95 N and I-495 W
This route takes you through Raleigh, Rocky Mount, and Richmond before you head on I-495 to Baltimore, which can be a longer route during certain times of the day. It is approximately 400 miles and takes about 6 hours and 30 minutes to complete.
- Distance: 400 miles
- Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
- Gas Price: $2.89/gallon
- Estimated Gas Cost: $64.00 (based on a car that gets 25 miles per gallon)
- Toll Prices: $7.00 for the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel (if you take this route)
Factors That Affect Your Costs
Keep in mind that your estimated gas cost may vary depending on your car's fuel efficiency, driving habits, and traffic conditions. You also need to factor in the cost of tolls, food, and lodging if you plan to take a break during your trip. By planning your budget ahead of time, you can enjoy a stress-free road trip to Baltimore knowing that you are within your budget.
Conclusion
Driving from Chapel Hill, North Carolina to Baltimore, Maryland can be an exciting and fun adventure. Before you hit the road, make sure you have a plan in place to ensure that you are within your budget. By being mindful of the costs involved, you can enjoy your trip without any financial stress. Safe travels!