The cost of driving from Charleston, South Carolina to Charleston, West Virginia

Summer is approaching fast, and that means road trip season is just around the corner! If you are planning a trip from Charleston, South Carolina to Charleston, West Virginia, you might be wondering about the cost of the trip. Well, wonder no more - we’ve got you covered! In this post, we’ll explore the cost of driving to Charleston, West Virginia based on current gas prices.

Route 1: I-77 North through Virginia

One popular route is to take I-77 North through Virginia. The distance from Charleston, SC to Charleston, WV on this route is approximately 520 miles with an estimated driving time of 8 hours and 10 minutes. You'll pass through Charlotte, NC and Roanoke, VA, and possibly need to stop for gas a few times. The current gas price is around $2.89 per gallon.

At this price, the total cost of driving from Charleston, SC to Charleston, WV via I-77 North through Virginia is around $122.46, under the assumption that your car averages about 25 miles per gallon.

Route 2: I-26 West to I-77 North through North Carolina

Another option is to take I-26 West to I-77 North through North Carolina. This route has a similar distance of 520 miles and expected time of 8 hours and 35 minutes, but may have a few less mountainous sections than the I-77 North through Virginia route. Again, with gas prices at $2.89 per gallon, you can expect to spend about $122.46 on gas.

Route 3: I-81 North to I-77 North through Virginia

If you want to take a route with fewer big cities and more scenic views, consider taking I-81 North to I-77 North through Virginia. This route, though longer with a distance of approximately 605 miles will take you through the beauty of the Appalachian Mountains. The actual drive time would be around 9 hours and 50 minutes. There are plenty of rest stops along the way, but please note that this is also a toll road. Make sure to keep rest and toll fees in mind. At a gas price of $2.89 per gallon, you should budget around $138.33 for gas alone, with tolls and rest fees being an additional cost.

Route 4: I-95 North to I-77 North through Virginia

Finally, you can choose to take I-95 North to I-77 North through Virginia. This is the longest route of all, with a distance of about 760 miles. However, the estimated driving time is similar to the other routes. This route will take you through several major cities like North Carolina's capital, Raleigh; Virginia's capital, Richmond; and finally end in West Virginia's capital, Charleston. The gas price listed above also applies to this route. Given how long this route is and possible toll rates, expect to budget over $200.

In conclusion, driving from Charleston, South Carolina to Charleston, West Virginia has several routes to choose from, each with its own highlights and drawbacks. Regardless of which route you ultimately choose, expect to spend around $120+ on gas for the journey. Make sure to factor in toll fees and possible rest stops along the way. Safe travels and enjoy your trip!