Driving Cost from Charleston, West Virginia to Orlando, Florida

A picture depicting a gas pump

The Cost of a Charleston, West Virginia to Orlando, Florida Road Trip in 2021

If you're planning a road trip between Charleston, West Virginia and Orlando, Florida, one of your biggest considerations will be the cost. Gas prices fluctuate constantly and can be a huge factor in the cost of your trip. In this article, we'll provide an overview of the different possible routes, highlight the cost and distance of each one, and recommend the best route based on the current gas prices.

The Possible Routes

There are a few different routes you can take when driving from Charleston, West Virginia to Orlando, Florida. The most common routes include:

  1. The I-77 route through Charlotte, NC and Columbia, SC
  2. The I-65 route through Nashville, TN and Birmingham, AL
  3. The I-81 and I-95 route through Richmond, VA, Raleigh, NC, and Jacksonville, FL

Each of these routes has its own pros and cons, including different scenery, attractions, and potential traffic. However, we'll focus primarily on the cost and distance of each route in order to help you make an informed decision.

The I-77 Route

The I-77 route is the most direct route between Charleston and Orlando, but it's also the longest at approximately 890 miles. This route takes you through Charlotte, NC and Columbia, SC, and then down to Orlando.

Using current gas prices of approximately $3.00 per gallon, a round trip on this route would cost approximately $267.60 for a car that gets an average of 28 miles per gallon (mpg).

The I-65 Route

The I-65 route takes you through Nashville, TN and Birmingham, AL, and is slightly shorter at approximately 850 miles.

Using current gas prices, a round trip on this route would cost approximately $241.50 for a car that gets an average of 28 mpg.

The I-81 and I-95 Route

The I-81 and I-95 route is the longest of the three routes at approximately 960 miles, but it takes you through some major cities like Richmond, VA, Raleigh, NC, and Jacksonville, FL.

Using current gas prices, a round trip on this route would cost approximately $273.60 for a car that gets an average of 28 mpg.

The Best Route

Based on the cost and distance, the I-65 route through Nashville, TN and Birmingham, AL is the most budget-friendly option for a round trip between Charleston and Orlando.

While the I-77 route is the most direct, it's also the longest and most expensive route. The I-81 and I-95 route is a good option if you want to break up your trip and see some additional cities, but it's still more expensive than the I-65 route.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the cost of a road trip between Charleston, West Virginia and Orlando, Florida will depend largely on the route you choose and the current gas prices. While the I-77 route is the most direct, it's also the most expensive. The I-81 and I-95 route offers the most potential for sightseeing, but it's still more expensive than the I-65 route. Based on current gas prices, the I-65 route through Nashville, TN and Birmingham, AL is the most budget-friendly option for a round trip between Charleston and Orlando. This route covers approximately 850 miles and would cost approximately $241.50 for a car that gets an average of 28 mpg. Overall, the trip would take approximately 13 to 14 hours each way, depending on traffic and stops.