The Cost of a Trip between Charleston, South Carolina and Memphis, Tennessee based on Gas Prices

Are you planning a road trip from Charleston, South Carolina to Memphis, Tennessee? One of the major concerns you may have is the cost of the trip. Gas prices and distance are the two main factors to consider when calculating the total cost of the trip.

In this article, we will take a closer look at the different possible routes from Charleston to Memphis, the cost, and the distance, as well as recommend the best route.

Possible Routes

Route 1: Via I-20 W and I-55 N

The first possible route is via I-20 W and I-55 N. This route is approximately 637 miles and takes approximately 9 hours and 45 minutes without factoring in stops or traffic.

Route 2: Via I-26 W, I-40 W, and I-55 N

The second possible route is via I-26 W, I-40 W, and I-55 N. This route is approximately 737 miles and takes approximately 11 hours and 30 minutes without factoring in stops or traffic.

Route 3: Via I-95 S, I-26 W, I-40 W, and I-55 N

The third possible route is via I-95 S, I-26 W, I-40 W, and I-55 N. This route is approximately 840 miles and takes approximately 12 hours and 45 minutes without factoring in stops or traffic.

Gas Prices and Cost

To estimate the cost of the trip, we will use an average gas mileage of 25 miles per gallon and current gas prices in both Charleston and Memphis. As of August 2021, the average gas price in Charleston is approximately $2.87 per gallon and in Memphis is approximately $2.91 per gallon.

Route 1: Via I-20 W and I-55 N

If you take this route, you will be traveling a distance of approximately 637 miles. With an average gas mileage of 25 miles per gallon, you will need approximately 25.5 gallons of gas to complete the trip.

The cost of gas would be approximately $73.09 in Charleston and $74.60 in Memphis, which totals to approximately $147.69 for the entire trip.

Route 2: Via I-26 W, I-40 W, and I-55 N

If you take this route, you will be traveling a distance of approximately 737 miles. With an average gas mileage of 25 miles per gallon, you will need approximately 29.5 gallons of gas to complete the trip.

The cost of gas would be approximately $84.69 in Charleston and $86.34 in Memphis, which totals to approximately $171.03 for the entire trip.

Route 3: Via I-95 S, I-26 W, I-40 W, and I-55 N

If you take this route, you will be traveling a distance of approximately 840 miles. With an average gas mileage of 25 miles per gallon, you will need approximately 33.6 gallons of gas to complete the trip.

The cost of gas would be approximately $96.43 in Charleston and $98.27 in Memphis, which totals to approximately $194.70 for the entire trip.

Recommended Route

Based on the distance and cost, the recommended route would be Route 1, via I-20 W and I-55 N. This route is the shortest and most direct route, which means less time spent on the road and less money spent on gas.

Route 2, via I-26 W, I-40 W, and I-55 N, is a close second choice. Although it is longer, it offers more scenic views and opportunities for stops and detours along the way.

Route 3, via I-95 S, I-26 W, I-40 W, and I-55 N, is the longest and most expensive route. This route should only be followed if you want to make stops along the way or prefer a more scenic route.

Conclusion

The cost of a road trip from Charleston, South Carolina to Memphis, Tennessee, depends on the route taken and the gas prices. The most cost-efficient route based on current gas prices is via I-20 W and I-55 N, which is approximately 637 miles and costs approximately $147.69 in gas. This route is the most direct, which means less time spent driving and less money spent on gas. It took approximately 9 hours and 45 minutes without factoring in stops or traffic.