The Cost of a Trip Between Chapel Hill, NC and Columbia, MO During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Are you planning a trip from Chapel Hill, North Carolina to Columbia, Missouri? If you are, you might be wondering about the cost of your trip and the best route to take. With so many factors to consider, planning a trip can be overwhelming. This article will provide you with a breakdown of the different possible routes, including the cost and the distance, as well as the recommendation for the best route to take.

Route 1: Driving

The most obvious way to travel from Chapel Hill to Columbia is by driving. However, choosing the best route can affect both the cost and the duration of the trip. One option would be to take I-40W to Memphis, then head north on I-55, and finally taking I-57N to I-70W towards Columbia. This route will take approximately 13 hours and cover a distance of 842 miles.

Traveling by car comes with a couple of expenses. The primary expense is gas. Assuming an average gas price of $2.30 per gallon and an average fuel economy of 25 miles per gallon, the total cost for gas is estimated to be around $107. Moreover, there may be additional expenses, such as tolls or parking fees.

The total cost of traveling by car would be composed of the gas plus any extra expenses or tolls. In total, the cost would be around $177. Additionally, it is important to remember to factor in car maintenance and repair costs for long-distance travel.

Route 2: Flying

Another option to travel from Chapel Hill to Columbia is by flying. This can be an expensive option, but it offers the quickest travel time. The closest airport to Chapel Hill is the Raleigh-Durham International Airport, and the closest airport to Columbia is the Columbia Regional Airport.

Assuming you book in advance, the cheapest flight from Raleigh-Durham International to Columbia Regional Airport can cost around $345. The flight would take approximately two hours, making this option the quickest way to travel. However, it is important to factor in the cost of transportation to and from the airport, as well as any extra baggage fees.

Route 3: Taking Amtrak Trains

Another alternative could be taking the Amtrak trains. This option can be an affordable and enjoyable way to get across the country. However, it can be time-consuming and requires schedules that match.

One suggested route takes the Carolinian train from Chapel Hill to Washington, D.C. and then the Capitol Limited train from D.C. to Columbia. The total travel time would be around 20 hours, and the cost of a one-way trip ticket ranges from $150 to $280.

For those interested in taking a train, it can be a fun and adventurous way to experience the country and its landscapes. That being said, it is important to plan accordingly to make sure that the length of travel is feasible and that all departure and arrival times match.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are several ways to travel from Chapel Hill to Columbia, each with its pros and cons. Driving can be an affordable way to travel for those in no rush, but it requires having a reliable car and planning on car repairs. Flying can be the quickest option, but it can also result in extra expenses. Taking the Amtrak train is a fun alternative, but it requires a schedule that matches.

After having analyzed the different available options, it is our recommendation that driving is the best route based on cost and convenience. Although it might take a long time, it is a more affordable option than flying, while still being relatively quick compared to taking trains.

All in all, plan your trip in advance and consider all the different aspects, such as cost, time, and schedule. Safe travels!