Driving Cost from Charleston, South Carolina to Town of Esopus, New York

A picture depicting a gas pump

The Cost of a Road Trip from Charleston, SC to Town of Esopus, NY Based on Current Gas Prices

Traveling from Charleston, South Carolina to the Town of Esopus in Ulster County, New York might seem like a daunting task. As it is a distance of over 800 miles, it is important to know the cost associated with driving that far before embarking on the trip. This article will detail the different possible routes, the cost of each route based on current gas prices, and recommend the best route to take.

Route 1: I-95 North

The first and most direct route option is to take I-95 North. This route starts in downtown Charleston and follows I-26 West to Columbia, SC. From Columbia, the road follows I-77 North until it reaches Charlotte, NC. Once in Charlotte, the road switches to I-85 North and stays on this road for the majority of the trip until the last leg of the journey in New York. The route takes I-81 North through Virginia before switching to Route 17 West for the remainder of the trip.

In total, this route covers 821 miles and takes approximately 12 hours and 40 minutes. The route is filled with plenty of rest areas, restaurants, and gas stations, making it a great option for road trips. The cost of this route is broken down by the following states:

  • South Carolina: 215 miles x $2.75 per gallon (average gas cost in SC) = $59.13
  • North Carolina: 233 miles x $2.67 per gallon (average gas cost in NC) = $62.11
  • Virginia: 184 miles x $2.63 per gallon (average gas cost in VA) = $48.43
  • Maryland: 174 miles x $2.66 per gallon (average gas cost in MD) = $46.24
  • Pennsylvania: 126 miles x $2.91 per gallon (average gas cost in PA) = $36.63
  • New York: 89 miles x $2.92 per gallon (average gas cost in NY) = $25.99

In total, the cost of gas for this route is approximately $278.53.

Route 2: I-81 North

The second route option is to take I-81 North, which is a more inland route that remains in the mountains of Virginia for the majority of the trip. The route starts by taking I-26 West to Columbia, SC, and from there, it follows I-77 North to Wytheville, VA. From Wytheville, the road transitions to I-81 North and stays on that road for the majority of the trip.

This route covers 848 miles and takes approximately 12 hours and 50 minutes. Although it does not have as many rest areas and gas stations as the first route, it does have stunning scenery and less traffic. The cost of this route is broken down by the following states:

  • South Carolina: 215 miles x $2.75 per gallon (average gas cost in SC) = $59.13
  • North Carolina: 233 miles x $2.67 per gallon (average gas cost in NC) = $62.11
  • Virginia: 400 miles x $2.63 per gallon (average gas cost in VA) = $105.20
  • Pennsylvania: 126 miles x $2.91 per gallon (average gas cost in PA) = $36.63
  • New York: 74 miles x $2.92 per gallon (average gas cost in NY) = $21.57

In total, the cost of gas for this route is approximately $284.64.

Route 3: Coastal Route

The third and longest route option is the coastal route. This route follows the Atlantic Coastline and offers breathtaking ocean views throughout the road trip. The route starts in Charleston and heads towards Myrtle Beach, SC. From Myrtle Beach, it follows Route 17 North until it reaches Washington, DC. Once in DC, the road switches to I-270 North followed by I-70 West until it reaches Frederick, MD. From Frederick, the road follows Route 15 North until it reaches Harrisburg, PA, and then takes I-81 North through New York.

This route covers 963 miles and takes approximately 15 hours and 30 minutes. Although it is the longest option, it has the most beautiful scenery and plenty of stops that are great for sightseeing. The cost of this route is broken down by the following states:

  • South Carolina: 95 miles x $2.75 per gallon (average gas cost in SC) = $26.13
  • North Carolina: 174 miles x $2.67 per gallon (average gas cost in NC) = $46.54
  • Virginia: 260 miles x $2.63 per gallon (average gas cost in VA) = $68.38
  • Maryland: 103 miles x $2.66 per gallon (average gas cost in MD) = $27.40
  • Pennsylvania: 101 miles x $2.91 per gallon (average gas cost in PA) = $29.41
  • New York: 230 miles x $2.92 per gallon (average gas cost in NY) = $67.16

In total, the cost of gas for this route is approximately $264.03.

After analyzing the cost and time of each route, the recommended route is Route 1, which follows I-95 North for the majority of the trip. This route is the most direct and has the most rest areas and gas stations throughout the trip. Although Route 3 offers beautiful scenery, it is much longer and has fewer amenities along the way.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the cost of a road trip from Charleston, South Carolina to the Town of Esopus, New York varies depending on the route taken. Route 1, which follows I-95 North, is the most direct and costs approximately $278.53 in gas. Route 2, which follows I-81 North, costs approximately $284.64 in gas and offers stunning mountain views. Route 3, which follows the coastal route, is the longest and costs approximately $264.03 in gas but provides beautiful ocean views. Based on the cost and amenities available, Route 1 is the recommended route to take. The trip takes approximately 12 hours and 40 minutes and covers a distance of 821 miles.