The Cost of Driving from Charleston, WV to Gainesville, FL based on Current Gas Prices
Are you planning a road trip from Charleston, West Virginia to Gainesville, Florida anytime soon? Driving is one of the best ways to travel, but it can be expensive if you're not careful. This blog post will break down the cost of driving from Charleston to Gainesville based on current gas prices. We will also highlight different routes available and the cost, distance, and time for each route.
Route 1: Taking I-77 South and I-95 South
The most common route between Charleston and Gainesville is taking I-77 South and I-95 South. This route covers a total distance of ~865 miles and takes around 13 hours of non-stop driving.
Based on the current national average gas price of $3.12 per gallon and a vehicle getting 23 miles per gallon, you can expect to spend about $174 for gasoline for this route.
In addition to gas, there are also tolls on this route. Some of the tolls to consider include:
- WV Turnpike: $4.00
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- Virginia toll: $2.00
- Maryland toll: $8.00
- Delaware toll: $4.00
- New Jersey toll: $20.00
- Pennsylvania toll (CASH): $8.20
That brings the total cost of taking this route to approximately $220, excluding food and lodging expenses.
Route 2: Taking I-77 South and I-85 South
Another option is taking I-77 South and I-85 South. This route covers a total distance of ~780 miles and takes around 11.5 hours of non-stop driving.
Based on the current gas prices and mileage, the estimated gas cost for this route is about $150. Unfortunately, there are not any tolls on this route, which might make it slightly less expensive than our previous option.
However, this route is slightly shorter than the first one, saving about 85 miles. That means you can expect the trip cost to be around $150 for this route, excluding food and accommodation costs.
Route 3: Taking I-64 West and I-75 South
If you want a bit of a change, another route from Charleston to Gainesville includes taking I-64 West and then taking I-75 South. This route will take you through Lexington, Kentucky, and Cincinnati, Ohio. This route has a total distance of ~950 miles and takes approximately 14.5 hours of non-stop driving.
Based on the current national average gas prices and mileage, you can expect to spend about $200 on gas alone. Additionally, there are no tolls on this route. That brings the total estimated cost of taking this route to around $200.
Final Verdict and Driving Tips
Ultimately, the cost of driving from Charleston, WV, to Gainesville, FL, will depend on the route you take and the gas prices and tolls at the time of your trip.
Taking I-77 South and I-95 South will cost you around $220, while taking I-77 South and I-85 South is approximately $150. Lastly, taking I-64 West and I-75 South is about $200.
Regardless of the route you choose, always remember to plan your trip with safety in mind. Take breaks every few hours and switch drivers if possible. Also, consider packing snacks and drinks, which can save you money on food expenses during the trip.
Safe travels!