The Cost of a Trip between Chapel Hill and Decatur based on Current Gas Prices

Planning a trip between Chapel Hill, North Carolina, and Decatur, Georgia, requires careful consideration of several factors, with cost being one of the most significant. The price of gas is one of the crucial factors to consider when planning and executing the road trip. In this article, we will delve into the cost of a trip between Chapel Hill and Decatur based on current gas prices, discuss the different possible routes, and recommend the best route based on cost and distance.

The Different Possible Routes

There are several routes one can take when traveling from Chapel Hill to Decatur, and each route has its own unique distance and cost implications. The four possible routes are:

Route 1: Via I-85 S

The most direct way to get to Decatur from Chapel Hill is via Interstate 85 South. To take this route, you would drive south on NC-54 West/Carrboro Plaza from Chapel Hill to Durham, merge onto I-85 South, and continue driving south until you arrive at Decatur. This route covers a distance of approximately 365 miles.

Route 2: Via I-85 S and I-20 E

Another possible route is to take I-85 South as as Route 1, but then head east on I-20 towards Decatur. This route covers a distance of approximately 422 miles.

Route 3: Via I-95 and I-20 W

A third possible route is to take I-95 South towards Georgia, then head west on I-20 towards Decatur. This route covers a distance of approximately 690 miles.

Route 4: Via I-85, I-20 W, and I-285

This route is a combination of Route 2 and Route 3. You will take Route 2 from Chapel Hill to Atlanta, then head north on I-285 until you arrive at Decatur. This route covers a distance of approximately 470 miles.

Cost of Each Route

The distance between Chapel Hill and Decatur is the primary factor that determines the cost of gas for the trip. The cost of gas is directly proportional to the distance of the route. Other factors such as the size of the vehicle and gas prices in different states may also impact the cost.

Route 1: Via I-85 S

Based on gas prices as of August 20, 2021, a car with a fuel efficiency of 25 mpg (miles per gallon) that takes Route 1, would require approximately 14.6 gallons of gas to travel from Chapel Hill to Decatur. The average gas price on this route is around $2.86 per gallon, making the total cost of gas $41.76.

Route 2: Via I-85 S and I-20 E

Based on current gas prices and using the same vehicle as in Route 1, a car taking Route 2 would require approximately 17 gallons of gas to travel from Chapel Hill to Decatur. At the current average gas price of $2.86 per gallon, the total cost of gas is $48.62.

Route 3: Via I-95 and I-20 W

Based on current gas prices as of August 20, 2021, a car taking Route 3 would require around 26.4 gallons of gas to travel from Chapel Hill to Decatur. At the average gas price of $2.86 per gallon, the total cost of gas is $75.50.

Route 4: Via I-85, I-20 W, and I-285

Based on current gas prices as of August 20, 2021, a car taking Route 4 would require approximately 18.58 gallons of gas to travel from Chapel Hill to Decatur. At the average gas price of $2.86 per gallon, the total cost of gas is $53.16.

Recommended Route

Based on the cost and distance implications, our recommended route is Route 1, the most direct route that takes you via I-85 South. Not only is it the most cost-effective, but it also covers a significantly shorter distance (365 miles) than the other routes.

Route 2 could be an option if you don't mind the additional 57 miles and want the chance to take a break to see more of Georgia. Route 4 would only be a recommended route if you were interested in visiting Atlanta before arriving at Decatur because it takes you through Georgia's capital city.

Route 3 is not recommended as it is the longest, covering over 690 miles, which would translate to a higher cost of gas.

Conclusion

When planning a road trip between Chapel Hill and Decatur, it is essential to consider the distance and cost implications of the different routes available. Our recommended route is Route 1, via I-85 South. Not only does this route cover the shortest distance, but it is also the cheapest, making it the most cost-effective option for travelers. On average, the trip could take approximately 6 to 7 hours, depending on traffic conditions, rest stops, or other activities.