Driving Cost from Charleston, West Virginia to Jackson, Kentucky

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Roadtrip Cost: Charleston, West Virginia to Jackson, Kentucky

Are you planning a road trip between Charleston, West Virginia and Jackson, Kentucky? One of the essential considerations to make before taking the road is the amount it will cost you to get there. The cost of a road trip between these two destinations depends on several factors, including the distance, fuel economy, and current gas prices. In this article, we'll break down the different possible routes, the cost, and the distance of each one and provide a recommendation for the best route to take based on current gas prices.

Possible Routes

There are different routes you can take to get from Charleston, West Virginia, to Jackson, Kentucky. The most common routes include:

Route 1: I-64 E and KY-15 S

This route takes you through I-64 E from Charleston, West Virginia, to KY-15 S in Kentucky. It is the most direct route, with a distance of approximately 89 miles. The route takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes to drive without making any stops.

Route 2: I-79 S, I-64 E, and KY-15 S

This route is a little longer, covering approximately 107 miles. It takes you through I-79 S, I-64 E, and finally KY-15 S in Kentucky. The route takes about two hours of driving time, but you should be prepared to add an extra hour to that for breaks and stops.

Route 3: US-119 S, KY-80 W, and KY-15 N

This route takes you through US-119 S from Charleston, West Virginia, to KY-80 W and finally KY-15 N in Kentucky. The route covers about 116 miles and takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes to drive.

Cost of Each Route

The cost of a road trip between Charleston, West Virginia, and Jackson, Kentucky, varies depending on the route you take, your vehicle's fuel economy, and the current gas prices.

To calculate the road trip's estimated cost, we assume that you'll be driving a vehicle with an average fuel economy of 25 miles per gallon (MPG) and that the current gas prices are $2.50 per gallon. We also consider that the average toll cost for the entire trip is $10.

Route 1: I-64 E and KY-15 S

With a total distance of 89 miles, this route requires approximately 4 gallons of gas, resulting in a fuel cost of $10. Adding the toll cost of $10 gives a total estimated cost of $20.

Route 2: I-79 S, I-64 E, and KY-15 S

This route is longer, covering approximately 107 miles. As a result, it requires approximately 4.3 gallons of gas, amounting to $10.75 in fuel costs. With the toll cost of $10, the total estimated cost for this route is $20.75.

Route 3: US-119 S, KY-80 W, and KY-15 N

The longest route covering 116 miles requires approximately 4.64 gallons of gas and results in a fuel cost of $11.60. With the added toll cost of $10, the total estimated cost for this route is $21.60.

Based on our calculations, Route 1 is the best option since it is the shortest and most fuel-efficient. This route takes you through the least number of highways, which can help reduce fuel costs. The toll cost for this route is also the same as Route 2, which makes it a more cost-effective option.

Conclusion

Taking the recommended route from Charleston, West Virginia, to Jackson, Kentucky, via I-64 E and KY-15 S, the entire trip should take about 1 hour and 30 minutes. The estimated cost of the trip is approximately $20, assuming current gas prices and a vehicle with an average fuel economy of 25 miles per gallon. However, keep in mind that the cost of gas and tolls may vary depending on when you take your trip. Overall, with the right route and preparation, the cost of a road trip between Charleston, West Virginia, and Jackson, Kentucky, should be relatively manageable.