The Cost of a Trip between Chapel Hill, NC and Lemoyne, PA at Current Gas Prices

Planning a trip between Chapel Hill, North Carolina, and Lemoyne, Pennsylvania, can be a daunting task. With several possible routes to take, it's essential to determine which route is the most cost-effective. This article will break down the different possible routes and their associated costs, helping you decide which path to take for your next road trip.

The Possible Routes

There are several possible routes to take when traveling from Chapel Hill to Lemoyne. The most common options include:

Route 1: I-85 N and I-81 N

The first route is the most direct path from Chapel Hill to Lemoyne, with a distance of approximately 400 miles. The trip begins by taking I-85 North until you get to Greensboro, where you'll take I-40 and head towards Winston-Salem. Once there, you'll take I-81 North until you reach your destination.

This route has several potential rest stops along the way that you can take advantage of, including gas stations, hotels, and restaurants. However, it does require a toll fee of $7.90 to cross over the Pennsylvania Turnpike.

Route 2: US-220 N and I-80 W

This route has a distance of approximately 450 miles, and it starts by taking US-220 North towards Roanoke. Once there, you'll take I-81 North, and then merge onto I-80 West towards the direction of Bellefonte. Finally, you'll take US-15 North, which leads directly into Lemoyne.

This route also has several potential rest stops, and the toll fee for the trip is $9.40.

Route 3: I-95 N and I-83 N

This route has a distance of approximately 500 miles, making it the longest of the three options. The trip begins by taking I-40 East towards Raleigh, where you'll take I-95 North towards Richmond. Next, you'll transition to I-83 North, which will take you all the way towards Lemoyne.

The route has several rest stops along the way, but it can be more expensive than the other two options. The toll fees for this route are $13.80.

The Costs

The cost of the trip can vary depending on a few important factors, including the distance of the trip, gas prices, toll fees, and the type of vehicle being used. To get a better idea of what the cost could be, let's assume that the vehicle used for transportation is a mid-sized car that gets an average of 27 mpg. Based on this assumption, here's what you can expect to spend in gas prices alone:

Route 1: Based on the distance of the trip, which is approximately 400 miles, you can expect to spend around $40 on gas alone.
Route 2: With a distance of approximately 450 miles, you can expect to spend around $45-$50 on gas.
Route 3: This is the longest route, with a distance of approximately 500 miles. You can expect to spend around $55-$60 on gas.

In addition to gas prices, you'll need to consider the toll fees associated with each route. Here's a breakdown of the tolls fees for each route:

Route 1: $7.90
Route 2: $9.40
Route 3: $13.80

Adding these toll fees to the cost of gas, the final cost for each route would be:

Route 1: $47.90
Route 2: $54.40-$59.40
Route 3: $68.80-$73.80

The Best Route

Based on the costs alone, it's clear that Route 1 is the most cost-effective option. It has the shortest distance and the lowest toll fees, making it the best choice for those looking to minimize their expenses. Additionally, Route 1 is the most direct route, which means you'll spend less time on the road. However, it's important to consider other factors, such as the potential for traffic and road conditions, before finalizing your trip plans.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are several possible routes to take when traveling between Chapel Hill, North Carolina, and Lemoyne, Pennsylvania. However, when factoring in gas prices and toll fees, Route 1 emerges as the most cost-effective option. It's essential to consider other factors, such as traffic and road conditions, before selecting your final route. All said and done, the trip can take between six to seven hours, depending on the route and conditions.