The Cost of a Trip Between Charleston, South Carolina and Cape May, New Jersey: A Breakdown of Routes and Expenses Based on Current Gas Prices

Traveling from Charleston, South Carolina to Cape May, New Jersey presents different routes with varying distances and expenses, particularly with gas prices continuously fluctuating. Whether you prefer to drive along scenic routes or follow the fastest roads, knowing the cost of the trip can help you plan accordingly. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive breakdown of routes and expenses based on current gas prices.

Possible Routes and Their Cost

Route 1: I-95 N

One of the most direct routes to Cape May, New Jersey from Charleston, South Carolina is via I-95 N, which spans a distance of approximately 680 miles. This route passes through major cities such as Raleigh, Richmond, Washington D.C., and Philadelphia.

Assuming that your car has an average gas mileage of 25 miles per gallon and the average gas price is $2.60 per gallon, the gas cost for this route would roughly be $109.44, one way.

Route 2: Coastal and Historic Routes

Alternatively, you can opt for a more scenic route if you have more time to spare. The coastal route passes through the scenic beaches and picturesque towns along the Eastern coast of the United States. There is also a historic route that connects the sites where the American Revolution and Civil War took place.

Driving along these routes means that you will take a slightly longer trip (approximately 770 miles) with more frequent stops. The gas cost, however, is still comparable to that of Route 1, at around $128.80, one way.

Route 3: I-77 N and I-81 N

If you want to avoid passing through major cities, you can take Route 3, which takes you on I-77 N and I-81 N. This route spans approximately 698 miles passing through the Blue Ridge Mountains and Knoxville, Tennessee, as well as smaller towns along the way.

The gas cost for this route is roughly $112.96, one way.

Route 4: I-26 N and I-81 N

Another possible route is via I-26 N and I-81 N, spanning a distance of about 760 miles. This route passes through Asheville, North Carolina, and the scenic Shenandoah Valley.

If you choose this route, you can expect to spend around $123.20, one way, on gas.

Recommended Route and Conclusion

Based on current gas prices, we recommend taking Route 1, I-95 N. This route may be the most direct and the cheapest among the other options. However, if you have more time and prefer a more scenic trip, you can choose either the coastal or the historic routes.

Driving from Charleston, South Carolina to Cape May, New Jersey would take about 10 to 11 hours of driving time, depending on the traffic and the route you take. The actual time it would take for you to complete the trip would depend on how many stops you make, the driving pace, and any detours you take along the way.

Overall, the cost of the trip would depend on how much distance you cover and how much fuel you consume during the trip. By knowing the different possible routes, you can plan your trip better and estimate your expenses accordingly.

In summary, the cost of a trip between Charleston, South Carolina, and Cape May, New Jersey varies based on the distance and the route you take. Regardless of the route you choose, knowing the estimated expenses will help you budget for your trip accordingly.