The Cost of a Trip Between Charleston, South Carolina and Lewes, Delaware Based on Current Gas Prices
Are you planning a trip from Charleston, South Carolina to Lewes, Delaware? There are several routes to choose from, each with its own distance and cost. In this article, we will break down the costs associated with each route and recommend the best option. Based on current gas prices, we will provide an estimate of expenses for the entire trip.
Possible Routes
Before deciding which route to take, it is important to analyze the options. There are three possible routes to travel from Charleston, SC to Lewes, DE:
- I-95 N and DE-1 N
- I-77 N, I-81 N, I-76 E, and I-95 N
- US-17 N, US-13 N, and DE-1 N
Route 1: I-95 N and DE-1 N
This route follows the Interstate 95 North until Wilmington, Delaware, where it merges with the Delaware Route 1 North. The estimated distance is 745 miles, and the estimated driving time is 11 hours and 15 minutes.
Based on current gas prices, an average vehicle with a fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon will consume around 30 gallons for the entire trip. The average gas price in the US is currently $2.83 per gallon, meaning that the estimated gas expenses for this route are approximately $85.
Route 2: I-77 N, I-81 N, I-76 E, and I-95 N
This route involves following several interstates until the final destination. First, take the Interstate 77 North to Wytheville, Virginia, then take the Interstate 81 North to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. From there, take the Interstate 76 East until Philadelphia, where it merges with the Interstate 95 North. The estimated distance is 897 miles, and the estimated driving time is 13 hours and 30 minutes.
Using the same assumptions for gas expenses, an average vehicle traveling this route will consume around 36 gallons of gas. The estimated gas expenses for this route are approximately $102.
Route 3: US-17 N, US-13 N, and DE-1 N
This route takes the US-17 North until Portsmouth, Virginia, then the US-13 North until Dover, Delaware. From there, take the Delaware Route 1 North to Lewes. The estimated distance is 894 miles, and the estimated driving time is 14 hours and 10 minutes.
Using the same assumptions for gas expenses, an average vehicle traveling this route will consume around 36 gallons of gas. The estimated gas expenses for this route are approximately $102.
Recommended Route
After analyzing the three potential routes in terms of distance and cost, we recommend taking Route 1: I-95 N and DE-1 N. While it may not be the shortest distance, it is the most direct and, therefore, the fastest. Additionally, the estimated gas expenses for this route are the lowest.
Conclusion
In conclusion, traveling from Charleston, South Carolina to Lewes, Delaware can be an expense depending on the chosen route, but it does not mean that it has to be costly. Taking into consideration the current gas prices and the different possible routes, our recommendation is to take Route 1: I-95 N and DE-1 N, which has an estimated gas expense of approximately $85. Moreover, based on our calculations, the entire trip will take around 11 hours and 15 minutes in an average vehicle with a fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon. We hope this article helps you plan your trip and make the most cost-effective decision. Safe travels!