The Cost of Driving from Charleston, South Carolina to Miami, Florida

Are you planning a trip from Charleston, South Carolina to Miami, Florida? Driving can be a great option, but it's important to factor in the cost. Gas prices are always fluctuating, and you'll also need to consider toll roads and other expenses. In this post, we'll break down a few different routes and provide estimates for the cost of each.

Route 1: I-95 South

The most direct route from Charleston to Miami is to take I-95 South. This highway will take you straight through Georgia and into Florida, and it's a popular choice for road trippers. According to Google Maps, this route covers 662 miles and takes approximately 10 hours to drive.

As of September 2021, gas prices in South Carolina are averaging $2.93 per gallon, while Florida's average is slightly lower at $2.87. If we assume an average fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, that means you'll need roughly 27 gallons of gas to make the trip. At current prices, that comes out to around $80 in gas. Additionally, there are a few toll roads you'll encounter along the way. Expect to spend around $5 for the toll on the Florida Turnpike.

So, if you take I-95 South from Charleston to Miami, you can expect to pay around $85 in gas and toll costs.

Route 2: I-26 to I-95

Another option is to take I-26 West from Charleston, then connect with I-95 South in Columbia, SC. This route adds a bit of distance to the trip, but it may be worth it if you want to avoid traffic or tolls. According to Google Maps, this route covers 706 miles and takes approximately 11.5 hours to drive.

Using the same gas price and fuel efficiency estimates as before, this route will cost around $85 in gas. Since you're bypassing the Florida Turnpike, there are no tolls to factor in.

So, if you take I-26 and I-95 from Charleston to Miami, you can expect to pay around $85 in gas costs.

Route 3: The Scenic Route

If you have some extra time and want to see more of the East Coast, you can take a more scenic route. From Charleston, head south on US-17 until you reach Savannah, GA. Then, hop on I-95 South and continue on to Miami. According to Google Maps, this route covers 800 miles and takes approximately 13 hours to drive.

Since you're taking a longer route, you'll need more gas. At the same fuel efficiency estimate of 25 miles per gallon, you'll need closer to 32 gallons of gas for this trip. At current prices, that means you'll spend around $94 in gas. There are a few tolls on this route, including the $1.50 Tybee Island Bridge toll and the $1.00 Savannah River Bridge toll. Expect to pay a total of $10 in tolls.

So, if you take the scenic route from Charleston to Miami, you can expect to pay around $104 in gas and toll costs.

Conclusion

Driving from Charleston to Miami is a great way to see some of the East Coast's beauty. However, it's important to factor in the cost of gas and tolls. Depending on the route you choose, you can expect to pay anywhere from $85 to $104 in total costs. With these estimates in mind, you can plan your road trip budget and hit the open road with confidence. Safe travels!