Driving from Chapel Hill, NC to Pittsburgh, PA: What You Need to Know About the Cost

Planning a long road trip can be both exciting and daunting. From the thrill of exploring new destinations to the hassle of navigating unfamiliar roads, there are a lot of factors to consider. One of the biggest questions any driver will face is, "How much will it cost?" In this post, we'll break down the cost of driving from Chapel Hill, North Carolina to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, based on current gas prices.

Route 1: I-85 and I-77 to I-79

The first route we'll consider starts on I-85, then turns north on I-77 before connecting with I-79 in West Virginia. This route is approximately 540 miles long and takes about 8.5 hours to drive, depending on traffic. As of August 2021, the average price of gas in Chapel Hill is about $2.93 per gallon, and it's about $3.16 per gallon in Pittsburgh.

Using these estimates, a one-way trip taking this route would require around 16 gallons of gas with a total cost of approximately $46.88 in gas. Additionally, there are a few tolls to consider, such as the West Virginia Turnpike with a cost of $10.40.

Route 2: I-40 to I-77 to I-79

Another option is to take I-40 west, which eventually connects with I-77 north. This route covers approximately 560 miles and takes about 8.75 hours, depending on traffic. As of August 2021, the average price of gas in Chapel Hill is about $2.93 per gallon, and it's about $3.16 per gallon in Pittsburgh.

Using these estimates, a one-way trip taking this route would require around 17 gallons of gas with a total cost of approximately $50.06 in gas. Additionally, there is one toll to consider, the West Virginia Turnpike with a $10.40 cost.

Route 3: I-85 to I-81 to I-70 to I-79

The last option we'll consider follows I-85 north to I-81 before connecting with I-70 and eventually I-79. This route covers approximately 640 miles and takes roughly 10 hours to complete, depending on traffic. As of August 2021, the average price of gas in Chapel Hill is about $2.93 per gallon, and it's about $3.16 per gallon in Pittsburgh.

Using these estimates, a one-way trip taking this route would require around 19 gallons of gas with a total cost of approximately $55.67 in gas. Additionally, there are a few tolls to consider, such as the West Virginia Turnpike with a $10.40 cost and the Pennsylvania Turnpike with a $22.10 cost.

Conclusion

When it comes to the cost of driving from Chapel Hill, NC to Pittsburgh, PA, there are several routes to consider. While gas and toll prices may vary, all the routes we've discussed will cost between approximately $46.88 and $55.67 in gas for a one-way trip, depending on the route you choose. Keep in mind that these estimates are based on current gas prices and may change depending on the time of year or fluctuations in gas prices. With these estimates in mind, you can prepare for your road trip and budget accordingly. Safe travels!