Driving Cost from Chapel Hill, North Carolina to Lexington, Kentucky

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The Cost of a Trip from Chapel Hill to Lexington in Today’s Gas Prices

Planning a trip from Chapel Hill, North Carolina to Lexington, Kentucky can be an exciting prospect, especially with the ample choices of routes available for travelers to choose from. However, it is important to consider the cost of the trip, particularly with current gas prices. This article will examine the various routes available for the trip and the costs associated with each one.

The Possible Routes and Distances

There are three possible direct routes for travelers to choose from when traveling from Chapel Hill to Lexington. These routes include:

  1. The US-421 S Route: This route is the shortest possible distance-wise, as it stretches for around 290 miles. It encompasses the states of North Carolina, Tennessee, and Kentucky.

  2. The I-77 N and I-64 W Route: This route stretches for around 370 miles and passes through the states of North Carolina, West Virginia, and Kentucky.

  3. The I-75 N Route: This is the longest direct route, as it stretches for a little over 500 miles. It passes through the states of North Carolina, Tennessee, and Kentucky.

The Costs Associated with Each Route

The costs associated with each route are entirely dependent on the type of vehicle used and the current gas prices. Currently, the average gas prices at popular stations in Chapel Hill are around $3.10 per gallon.

US-421 S Route

Going by the current gas prices and the distance, a trip through the US-421 S route requires approximately 9.29 gallons of gas for an average passenger car. This will cost about $28.81. The cost will be slightly more for an SUV or a truck, requiring up to 11.96 gallons and costing around $37.14.

I-77 N and I-64 W Route

The total distance of the I-77 N and I-64 W route is 370 miles, which will require around 11.23 gallons of gas or $34.79 for an average passenger car. An SUV or a truck will require more gas, approximately 14.56 gallons, which will cost around $45.10.

I-75 N Route

The total distance of the I-75 N Route is over 500 miles, and therefore more gas will be required to cover the distance. An average passenger car will require around 16.26 gallons of gas, costing approximately $50.45. An SUV or a truck will require more gas, approximately 21.11 gallons, which will cost around $65.46.

After examining the costs and distances of each route, we recommend the US-421 S route as it is the shortest and most cost-effective among the three. The combined distance of the route plus the gas cost is well under $40 for an average passenger car, and it only takes around 5 to 6 hours to get to Lexington from Chapel Hill.

Conclusion

The journey from Chapel Hill, North Carolina to Lexington, Kentucky doesn't have to break the bank. By carefully choosing the right route and measuring gas costs, travelers can make a budget-friendly trip without sacrificing the comfort and quality of the journey. We recommend considering the US-421 S route for a quick and cost-effective journey between these two destinations. The trip will take an estimated 5 to 6 hours, depending on traffic and the stops made along the way.