Gas Prices and Road Trips: The Cost of Traveling between Charleston, SC and Nashville-Davidson, TN

For those looking to plan a road trip between Charleston, South Carolina and Nashville-Davidson, Tennessee, it is important to consider the cost of gas and the distance of the travel route. The trip can be taken via several different routes, and each one varies in distance and cost. In this article, we will break down the possible travel routes and highlight the cost and distance of each one.

The Routes Between Charleston and Nashville-Davidson

There are three main routes to consider when traveling between Charleston and Nashville-Davidson, with each one offering various advantages and disadvantages.

Route 1: Taking I-26 and I-40

One possible routes for travel between Charleston and Nashville-Davidson is taking I-26 and I-40. This route covers a distance of 559 miles. This long-distance route has a variety of advantages to consider when planning your trip. The travel time for this route is approximately 8 hours and 48 minutes. It is a direct route with easy access to major cities like Asheville, North Carolina and Knoxville, Tennessee. Additionally, it is a great route to consider if you want to take in the scenic views of the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Great Smoky Mountains.

The cost of taking this route depends upon how much you'll spend on gas. The average gas price in Charleston as of June 2021 is $2.87 per gallon, while in Nashville, the price stands at $2.85 per gallon. If your car gets an average of 25 miles per gallon and with the total distance being 559 miles, you will need about 22.4 gallons of gas. This means the total gas spend will be approximately $64 in Charleston and $64 in Nashville, making the total cost on gas $128.

Route 2: I-26W, I-81N, and I-40W

Another route option to consider is taking I-26W, I-81N, and I-40W. This route has a distance of 624 miles and passing through cities like Johnson City, Kingsport and Bristol in Tennessee and Abingdon in Virginia. The travel time for this route is approximately 8 hours and 50 minutes, only slightly longer than the first route. This route has a different scenery than the first route, as it takes you along the Appalachian Mountains.

To determine the cost for this route, the average gas price in Charleston and Nashville are calculated based on the average number of gallons needed to cover the distance. If your car gets an average of 25 miles per gallon, you will require approximately 24.9 gallons of gas for the entire journey. This then translates to approximately $71 for gas in Charleston and $71 in Nashville, making the total gas expenditure $142.

Route 3: Taking I-77, I-81, and I-40W

Another option is taking I-77, I-81, and I-40W. This route has a total distance of 725 miles, making it the longest of the three possible routes. The travel time for this route is approximately 11 hours, and it will take you through several cities including Wytheville, Virginia and Asheville, North Carolina.

The cost for this route is again calculated based on the gas usage for the entire journey. If you use a car that gets an average of 25 miles per gallon, you will require approximately 29 gallons of fuel to complete the journey. This then translates to approximately $83 in gas in Charleston and approximately $83 in Nashville, making the total gas expenditure $166.

The Best Route to Take

Having considered all the routes and their advantages and disadvantages, we can conclude that taking I-26 and I-40 is the best route to take based on distance, travel time and cost. Although it may be a longer route than the others, its scenic views and easy access to major cities makes it worth the few extra miles.

Conclusion

When traveling long distances, gas prices can make a significant impact on your total spend or budgeting. The cheapest way to travel isn't always the best option, and it is essential to consider the advantages and shortcomings of each route. As evidenced in this article, it is always a good idea to choose a route that suits your budget, travel preferences, and timescale. By considering all of the factors, including each route's distance, travel time, and gas cost, you can enjoy a safe, cost-effective and fun-filled trip.