The Cost of a Trip between Chapel Hill, NC and Charleston, SC in 2021

If you're planning a trip between Chapel Hill, North Carolina, and Charleston, South Carolina, you might be wondering about the cost. With gas prices constantly fluctuating, it's difficult to know exactly how much it will cost to make the journey.

Luckily, by looking at the distance and route options, we can get a good estimate of what you might expect to pay. In this article, we'll explore the different routes and their costs, as well as give you some recommendations on the best route to take.

The Distance and Best Route between Chapel Hill, NC, and Charleston, SC

The distance between Chapel Hill and Charleston is about 240 miles. The most direct route is to take I-40 East to I-95 South, and then take I-26 East to Charleston. This route is about 229 miles and takes around four hours, depending on traffic.

An alternative route would be to take US-15 South to US-501 South to Florence, and then take I-95 South to I-26 East to Charleston. While this route is about the same distance as the direct route, it's about 20 miles longer and could take a little longer because of the smaller roads.

There are also a few other scenic routes you could take if you have the time. The Blue Ridge Parkway and the Coastal Heritage Trail both offer beautiful views and interesting stops, but they're also longer and would take more time.

The Cost of the Trip based on 2021 Gas Prices

As of September 2021, the average gas price in North Carolina is around $2.90 per gallon. In South Carolina, the average price is slightly lower, at around $2.80 per gallon.

Using these prices and the estimated distance of 240 miles, we can estimate the cost of the trip using a few different scenarios.

If your car gets an average of 25 miles per gallon, you'll need around 9.6 gallons of gas for the trip. At $2.90 per gallon, that means you can expect to pay around $27.84 for gas.

If your car gets a little better mileage, say 30 miles per gallon, you would only need around 8 gallons of gas. At $2.80 per gallon, that means you can expect to pay around $22.40 for gas.

Of course, these are just estimates based on current gas prices and your car's average mileage. The cost could fluctuate up or down depending on various factors, such as driving habits, weather, and traffic.

Recommended Route

Based on distance and time, the most direct route is likely the best choice. Taking I-40 East to I-95 South and then I-26 East to Charleston is the shortest and most efficient route, taking around four hours to complete.

The US-15 South to US-501 South to Florence, and then taking I-95 South to I-26 East to Charleston is a viable alternative as well. However, this route is about 20 miles longer and could take slightly longer due to traffic on the smaller roads.

Ultimately, the route you choose will depend on your personal preferences and priorities. If you value the scenic route and are willing to take the time, the Blue Ridge Parkway or the Coastal Heritage Trail could be a great option.

Conclusion

The cost of a trip between Chapel Hill, NC, and Charleston, SC, can vary depending on gas prices, car mileage, and route choice. Using the most direct route of I-40 East to I-95 South and I-26 East to Charleston, you can expect to pay around $27.84 for gas in a car that gets an average of 25 miles per gallon.

Of course, these estimates are subject to change based on various factors, but they should give you a good idea of what to expect. Regardless of the route you choose, the drive should take around four hours, making it a perfect weekend trip or day trip if you're up for it.