Driving Cost from Charleston, South Carolina to Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania

A picture depicting a gas pump

The Cost of a Trip from Charleston, South Carolina to Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania

Traveling from Charleston, South Carolina to Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania can be an exciting experience, but one that requires proper planning. One of the most important factors to consider when planning your travel is the total cost. This article will explore the various routes one can take for the trip and provide an analysis of the cost for each one. Additionally, we will recommend the best route for this trip based on the cost of gas and the distance of the journey.

Route Options

There are multiple routes one can take from Charleston, South Carolina to Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania, but the four most common ones are as follows:

  1. I-77 N and I-79 N through West Virginia
  2. I-77 N and I-76 E via Akron and Pittsburgh
  3. I-26 W and I-81 N through Virginia
  4. I-20 W and I-85 N through Atlanta and Knoxville.

Each route has its own benefits and disadvantages, which should be considered before making a decision.

Route 1: I-77 N and I-79 N through West Virginia

The first route goes through West Virginia, and it covers a distance of approximately 610 miles. Although it is the shortest of the four options, it requires one to drive through the Appalachian Mountains, which can be challenging for some drivers. The drive also takes over nine hours and requires at least one hotel stop before reaching Cranberry Township.

Route 2: I-77 N and I-76 E via Akron and Pittsburgh

The second route is a little bit longer, covering a distance of approximately 680 miles. However, it involves a generally easy drive through Cleveland and Erie before reaching Pittsburgh and the final destination. This route takes about 10 hours and requires at least one hotel stop before reaching Cranberry Township.

Route 3: I-26 W and I-81 N through Virginia

The third route takes approximately 715 miles, making it the longest of the four routes considered. Drivers can enjoy breathtaking scenery while passing through the Blue Ridge Mountains along the way. However, driving through the mountains could be difficult for some drivers. This route takes over eleven hours and requires at least one hotel stop before reaching Cranberry Township.

Route 4: I-20 W and I-85 N through Atlanta and Knoxville

The fourth route takes approximately 825 miles and is the longest and most time-consuming of the routes considered in this article. It takes drivers through Atlanta and Nashville before reaching Knoxville, where they join I-79 to Cranberry Township. While this route has the benefit of driving through big cities and popular tourist spots, it takes over twelve hours and requires at least one overnight stop before reaching Cranberry Township.

Cost of Each Route

The cost of driving from Charleston, South Carolina to Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania will vary based on several variables discussed later in this article, including the gas prices, total distance, and the type of car. However, using data from GasBuddy.com, the average gas price for regular unleaded gas in West Virginia, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Virginia for August 2021 is about $3.10 per gallon.

Using the miles estimation from the above routes and the average gas price of $3.10 per gallon, the estimated cost of each route is as follows:

  1. Route 1: 610 miles at an average of 25 miles per gallon $74.48
  2. Route 2: 680 miles at an average of 25 miles per gallon $83.39
  3. Route 3: 715 miles at an average of 25 miles per gallon $87.85
  4. Route 4: 825 miles at an average of 25 miles per gallon $101.36

Based on the above calculations, Route 1 is the least expensive and Route 4 is the most expensive.

Given the analysis of the routes and the associated costs, we recommend Route 2 as the best route from Charleston, South Carolina to Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania on the basis of the shortest drive time and moderate cost. Though this route is a bit longer, the drive avoids the Appalachian Mountains, reducing the driving stress on the driver. Additionally, this route also provides the opportunity to drive through Cleveland and Erie, where there are ample opportunities to engage in outdoor activities such as hiking and fishing.

Other Cost Considerations

Apart from gas prices and distance, there are other potential costs associated with a road trip, including hotel accommodation and food costs, and pit stop costs. In terms of accommodation, travelers should budget for at least one stop on their journey, especially if they are driving for more than eight hours. Hotel prices vary based on location and quality, but the estimated cost of a hotel stay is between $100-$150 per night.

When budgeting for food costs, travelers should consider meals they will be having on the road, such as fast food meals or filling up the car with snacks and nourishing items like dried fruit or nuts. Trucker's rest stops (including food stops) have become much more prevalent along the highways in recent years, and these are reliable spots with parking for road buyers.

Conclusion

Traveling expenses can easily eat into your travel budget, which can considerably affect your overall travel experience. Therefore, when planning a trip, it is crucial to consider the cost of the entire journey and the associated expenses. When traveling from Charleston, South Carolina to Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania, Route 2, which is approximately 680 miles long, is the best option based on trip costs factoring in distance and time. Travelers are encouraged to thoroughly research the costs and logistics of each route and associated costs highlighted in this article before embarking on the road trip. With proper planning, the journey from Charleston to Cranberry Township can be a fun and enriching experience.