Let's Plan a Trip! What Is the Cost of Driving from Charleston, South Carolina to Orlando, Florida?

If you're planning a trip down south, you might be wondering about the cost of driving from Charleston, South Carolina, to Orlando, Florida. There are a few different routes you can take, each with its own distance and cost, so let's take a closer look.

Route 1: Taking I-26 W and I-95 S

If you take I-26 W and I-95 S, the distance from Charleston to Orlando is approximately 450 miles. At an average speed of 60 miles per hour, driving time is roughly 7 and a half hours.

Gas prices vary depending on where you fill up, so it's hard to give an exact number, but according to GasBuddy.com, the average price of gas in South Carolina is $2.77 per gallon. Florida's gas prices average at $2.87 per gallon. Using an estimated average of 25 miles per gallon, you will use approximately 18 gallons of gas for the trip at a cost of about $50. However, don't forget to factor in the toll prices—there are several toll booths on I-95 S, so expect to pay about $25 in tolls, bringing the total cost to approximately $75.

Route 2: Taking US-17 N and I-95 S

Another option to consider is taking US-17 N and I-95 S. It's a slightly longer route at around 510 miles, and the driving time is approximately 8 and a half hours.

With this route, gas prices would be in line with the average prices we mentioned earlier. At an average of 25 miles per gallon, you will use approximately 21 gallons of gas, costing you around $58. But with the addition of tolls on I-95 S, expect to add about $25 to your trip's total cost. The estimated total cost with Route 2 is approximately $83.

Route 3: Taking US-321 S and I-95 S

Our last option is taking US-321 S and I-95 S. It's a longer and more scenic route at around 630 miles and a driving time of approximately 11 hours.

With this route, gas prices may vary as you go through different cities and towns. However, using the average price of gas from South Carolina and Florida, you can expect to use approximately 25 gallons of gas, which would cost around $69. Additionally, tolls on I-95 S would bring the total cost to around $94.

Conclusion

The cost of driving from Charleston, South Carolina, to Orlando, Florida, will depend on the route you choose and the gas prices and tolls you'll encounter. By taking I-26 W and I-95 S, you can expect to pay around $75, while US-17 N and I-95 S will cost approximately $83, and US-321 S and I-95 S will cost around $94. So, plan ahead, budget accordingly, and have a safe and fun road trip!