Planning a Road Trip from Charleston, South Carolina to Key West, Florida: Calculating the Cost Based on Current Gas Prices
If you have been bitten by the road trip bug and are looking for a great adventure, a road trip from Charleston, South Carolina to Key West, Florida is one of the best routes to take. From charming southern towns to some of America's most beautiful beaches, the journey is packed full of natural beauty and interesting attractions.
However, before setting off, it is essential to work out the cost of the trip, particularly with current gas prices. This article focuses on the different routes that you can take as well as the potential costs of each route so that you can plan and budget accordingly.
The Possible Routes
There are two main options for this journey: the inland route or the coastal route along Highway 17.
Inland Route
The inland route is around 730 miles and covers major towns like Savannah and Jacksonville.
Coastal Route
The coastal route, on the other hand, is around 950 miles, and covers scenic spots like Beaufort, the Golden Isles of Georgia, and St. Augustine.
Both directions offer their unique charms, and the route that you choose will depend on factors such as time, preference, and budget.
Calculating the Costs
The cost of the trip varies significantly depending on the route chosen. To calculate the cost of the trip accurately, we must consider numerous factors. These include the distance, the type of vehicle, fuel consumption, and gas prices.
The Cost of Fuel
According to AAA, the cost of gasoline as of August 2021, is approximately $3.10 per gallon. Using this as a base, we can estimate the cost of fuel to both destinations from Charleston.
Based on this, the cost of fuel would vary between $100 and $180. This estimate includes the total costs like meals, activities, parking and any other expenses that you might incur on the journey.
Costs of the Inland Route
Let us take a look at the possible expenses and potential costs of the inland route.
Distance and Time
The direct route from Charleston to Key West yields a distance of approximately 730 miles. This equates to around 12 hours of driving time, depending on traffic and the speed at which you drive.
Road Tolls
The inland route generally involves more tolls, with the added cost being subject to changes. However, when calculating the costs, you can keep around $30 to $50 for the total amount of the tolls.
Vehicle Fuel Consumption
The vehicle's fuel consumption is a crucial factor in calculating the road trip's total cost, and it is largely dependent on your car's make, model, age, engine type, and maintenance. An estimated MPG for an average car model is 23.5 miles per gallon. So, for the inland route, with a distance of 730 miles and fuel costs at $3.10 per gallon, the consumption of fuel during the trip would cost approximately $93.
Accommodations
It's highly unlikely that you can complete the inland route without taking an overnight rest. The cost of accommodations varies on the choice of the motel or hotel. The total cost of accommodations in this journey is around $100 to $120.
Coastal Route Costs
The coastal route, being 200 miles longer than the inland route, yields the following expenses:
Distance and Time
The direct route from Charleston to Key West through the coastal route yields a distance of approximately 950 miles. This equates to around 15 hours of driving time, depending on traffic and the speed at which you drive.
Road Tolls
The coastal route has fewer tolls than the inland route, but the rates could vary and are sometimes unpredictable. Keeping around $15 -$30 for total toll costs is a good estimate.
Vehicle Fuel Consumption
The vehicle's fuel consumption is almost the same as the inland route, with an average of 23.5 miles per gallon, and it completely depends on your transportation, car model, age, engine type and maintenance. For the coastal route, with a distance of 950 miles and fuel costs at $3.10 per gallon, the consumption of fuel during the trip would cost approximately $146.
Accommodations
With the extra miles that the Coastal route offers, there's more time required for an overnight rest. The cost of accommodations varies on the choice of the motel or hotel, and the total cost should be around $200 to $300.
Choosing the Best Route
Both routes have their pros and cons, and what you choose would depend on the purpose of your journey, your preference, and available resources. The inland route is a faster option, taking less time and having more affordable accommodation rates. However, the coastal route offers a unique mix of natural beauty and historic sites.
If you have the time and want to explore more, then consider the coastal route. On the contrary, if you have planned things tightly and prefer a quicker trip, the inland route is the perfect choice for you.
Conclusion
Charleston to Key West is a classic and fascinating route that has something for every traveler. We have looked into the possible routes, potential costs, and factors to consider when choosing a preferred route. Thus, using this article as a guide, you can start budgeting for your trip, choose your route, and embark on your fascinating adventure.