Driving Cost from Charleston, West Virginia to Parma, Ohio

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The Cost of a Trip between Charleston, WV and Parma, OH: A Comparison of Routes

Are you planning a road trip between Charleston, West Virginia, and Parma, Ohio? Whether you are visiting family, pursuing business opportunities, or simply exploring the Midwest, you may be wondering about the cost of the journey. With fluctuating gas prices, changing seasons, and diverse driving options, the price tag of this trip can vary significantly. In this article, we will break down the different possible routes, highlighting the cost and the distance of each one. We will then recommend the best route, taking into account a range of factors that can impact your time, budget, and enjoyment.

Route 1: I-77 N to I-70 W (approx. 270 miles)

The first and most direct route between Charleston and Parma involves taking Interstate 77 North until you reach Interstate 70 West. This is a straight shot that takes you through scenic hills, historic towns, and vibrant cities in West Virginia and Ohio. According to the AAA Fuel Calculator, the estimated cost of this trip, based on current gas prices in November 2021, is $34.22 for a midsize sedan. This assumes a fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, a gas price of $3.30 per gallon, and no tolls or other expenses.

Here is a breakdown of the different segments of this route and their approximate distance and cost:

  • Charleston to Parkersburg (90 miles): This segment takes you from the capital city of West Virginia through rural areas, small towns, and the Ohio River. The estimated cost of this segment is $10.69.

  • Parkersburg to Cambridge (70 miles): This segment covers most of the length of Ohio along the Appalachian foothills. You will drive through the Wayne National Forest and pass by the historic town of Marietta. The estimated cost of this segment is $8.34.

  • Cambridge to St. Clairsville (50 miles): This segment takes you through the heart of Ohio's coal country, with hills, valleys, and mines along the way. You will cross into the Eastern Time Zone at the Ohio River, becoming one hour ahead of West Virginia. The estimated cost of this segment is $6.02.

  • St. Clairsville to Wheeling (20 miles): This segment is short but scenic, taking you through the hilly landscape of the Ohio Valley and passing by the Oglebay resort and the Wheeling Suspension Bridge. The estimated cost of this segment is $2.40.

  • Wheeling to Washington (40 miles): This segment follows the Ohio River again, passing by historic sites such as Grave Creek Mound and the Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park. The estimated cost of this segment is $4.81.

  • Washington to Cambridge (30 miles): This segment covers some of the same ground as Segment 2, but in reverse, taking you through Guernsey County and past the Senecaville Lake. The estimated cost of this segment is $3.61.

  • Cambridge to Parma (70 miles): This segment is the longest and the most urban, taking you through Zanesville, Newark, and Columbus before reaching the Cleveland suburbs. The estimated cost of this segment is $8.55.

Overall, this route covers a distance of approximately 270 miles and takes around 4 hours and 30 minutes to complete, depending on traffic, weather, and other factors. While it is the most direct and shortest route, it does not offer many options for rest stops, scenic overlooks, or alternative routes in case of problems. It also requires driving through some congested areas and facing potential tolls on some bridges or highways.

Route 2: Alternative Scenic Route via US-33 (approx. 340 miles)

A second option for traveling between Charleston and Parma is to take a more scenic and leisurely route along US-33, which meanders through the Ohio Valley, the Hocking Hills, and Columbus. This route offers more opportunities for sightseeing, hiking, and sampling local cuisine, but it also adds about 70 miles to the trip and requires more time and fuel. The estimated cost of this route, based on the same assumptions as Route 1, is $41.02 for a midsize sedan.

Here is a breakdown of the different segments of this route and their approximate distance and cost:

  • Charleston to Athens (95 miles): This segment takes you along I-77 and Route 33 through West Virginia's rolling hills and the historic city of Athens. The estimated cost of this segment is $11.39.

  • Athens to Logan (40 miles): This segment is shorter but offers some of the most scenic views of the Hocking Hills, with rock formations, waterfalls, and forests. The estimated cost of this segment is $4.81.

  • Logan to Lancaster (45 miles): This segment takes you through more of the Hocking Hills and into the flatlands of Fairfield County, with farms, orchards, and vineyards. The estimated cost of this segment is $5.41.

  • Lancaster to Columbus (30 miles): This segment connects the crossroads of Ohio with the capital city, with plenty of attractions, shopping, and dining along the way. The estimated cost of this segment is $3.61.

  • Columbus to Delaware (25 miles): This segment takes you through the fastest growing suburb of Columbus, with its historic downtown, parks, and museums. The estimated cost of this segment is $3.01.

  • Delaware to Mansfield (60 miles): This segment covers more of central Ohio, with rolling terrain, small towns, and the famed Ohio State Reformatory. The estimated cost of this segment is $7.22.

  • Mansfield to Ashland (30 miles): This segment takes you through the heart of Ohio's Amish Country, with its horse-drawn buggies, handmade crafts, and delicious cheese. The estimated cost of this segment is $3.61.

  • Ashland to Parma (15 miles): This segment brings you back to the suburbs of Cleveland, passing by the Western Reserve Historical Society and the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. The estimated cost of this segment is $1.81.

Overall, this route covers a distance of approximately 340 miles and takes around 6 hours to complete, depending on your pace, interest, and appetite. While it offers more scenic and cultural variety than Route 1, it also requires a bit more planning, navigation, and patience, as some segments may be slower, winding, or steep. It also may not be the best choice if you have time constraints or prefer faster, more direct routes.

Route 3: Hybrid Route via I-77N and US-250W (approx. 311 miles)

A third option for traveling between Charleston and Parma is to take a hybrid route that combines the efficiency of I-77 with the beauty of US-250 in Ohio. This route offers a good balance between distance, cost, and scenery, taking you through the hills, forests, and lakes of southeastern Ohio. The estimated cost of this route, based on the same assumptions as Route 1, is $38.23 for a midsize sedan.

Here is a breakdown of the different segments of this route and their approximate distance and cost:

  • Charleston to Marietta (100 miles): This segment takes you through the heart of the Mid-Ohio Valley, passing by historic sites such as Blennerhassett Island and the Campus Martius Museum. The estimated cost of this segment is $11.99.

  • Marietta to Athens (30 miles): This segment follows the Ohio River for part of the way and takes you through the hills and hollows of Athens County. The estimated cost of this segment is $3.61.

  • Athens to Nelsonville (20 miles): This segment covers some of the same ground as Route 2, with some scenic vistas and outdoor recreation opportunities. The estimated cost of this segment is $2.40.

  • Nelsonville to Zanesville (50 miles): This segment takes you through the biggest town in southeastern Ohio, with its Y-shaped bridge, military museum, and historic downtown. The estimated cost of this segment is $6.02.

  • Zanesville to New Concord (25 miles): This segment takes you through the Ohio countryside, with farms, wineries, and covered bridges along the way. The estimated cost of this segment is $3.01.

  • New Concord to Dover (50 miles): This segment brings you into Amish Country again, with butter churns, quilts, and shoofly pie. The estimated cost of this segment is $6.02.

  • Dover to Massillon (20 miles): This segment takes you through the historic towns of Stark County, with the McKinley Presidential Library and football hall of fame. The estimated cost of this segment is $2.40.

  • Massillon to Parma (16 miles): This segment takes you along I-77 and I-480, with a mix of urban and suburban landscapes. The estimated cost of this segment is $1.92.

Overall, this route covers a distance of approximately 311 miles and takes around 5 hours to complete, depending on traffic, construction, and weather. It offers more variety than Route 1 but less than Route 2, with some of the highlights being the Ohio River, Wayne National Forest, Muskingum River, Mohican State Park, and Cuyahoga Valley National Park. It also has some potential for tolls, depending on the route you take.

Conclusion

Based on the analysis of the three possible routes between Charleston, WV, and Parma, OH, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of which one is the best. Each route has its advantages and disadvantages in terms of cost, distance, time, and scenery, and the final decision should depend on your preferences, priorities, and circumstances.

That being said, if you prioritize speed and simplicity, Route 1 (I-77 N to I-70 W) would be your best bet, as it is the most direct and the least demanding in terms of planning and navigation. If you favor scenery and leisure, Route 2 (Alternative Scenic Route via US-33) may suit you better, as it offers more opportunities for exploration, discovery, and relaxation. If you seek a balance between the two, Route 3 (Hybrid Route via I-77N and US-250W) may be your ideal compromise, as it combines the convenience of the interstate with the charm of the backroads.

In any case, the cost of the trip between Charleston and Parma should not be your only consideration, as there are other factors that can affect your experience and safety, such as traffic, weather, construction, fatigue, and emergency situations. Therefore, it is always advisable to plan ahead, pack wisely, drive defensively, and enjoy the journey as much as the destination. Safe travels!