Driving Cost from Charleston, South Carolina to Tampa, Florida

A picture depicting a gas pump

The Cost of a Trip between Charleston, SC and Tampa, FL

When planning a trip between Charleston, South Carolina and Tampa, Florida, one of the key factors to consider is the cost of getting there. With gas prices constantly fluctuating, it's important to determine the most cost-effective route to take. In this article, we'll explore the different possible routes between these two cities and highlight the cost and distance of each one.

Route 1: I-26 and I-95

One of the most direct routes from Charleston to Tampa is to take Interstate 26 west to Interstate 95 south. This route covers a distance of approximately 400 miles and can be completed in around 6-7 hours, depending on traffic and rest stops.

For the average car getting 25 miles per gallon and with gas prices at $2.50 per gallon, the cost of gas for this route would be roughly $80 each way.

Route 2: US-17 and I-4

Another option is to take US-17 south to US-92, then hop onto Interstate 4 to head west toward Tampa. This route covers a distance of approximately 450 miles and can be completed in around 7-8 hours.

For the average car getting 25 miles per gallon and with gas prices at $2.50 per gallon, the cost of gas for this route would be roughly $90 each way.

Route 3: Coastal Highway

For those looking to take a more scenic route, one could consider traveling along the coast via US-17 and US-17 ALT. This route covers a distance of approximately 500 miles and can take around 8-9 hours to complete.

For the average car getting 25 miles per gallon and with gas prices at $2.50 per gallon, the cost of gas for this route would be roughly $100 each way.

Based on the cost and distance of each route, the most cost-effective option would likely be Route 1, taking Interstate 26 and Interstate 95. Not only is it the shortest distance, but it also requires the least amount of time on the road, potentially saving on food and lodging expenses.

Conclusion

With gas prices at $2.50 per gallon, the most cost-effective route for a trip between Charleston, South Carolina and Tampa, Florida is to take Interstate 26 and Interstate 95. This route covers a distance of approximately 400 miles and can be completed in around 6-7 hours, with an estimated cost of $80 each way for gas. Safe travels!