The Cost of a Trip Between Charleston, West Virginia and Wilmore, Kentucky
Planning a trip can be a lot of fun, but it can also be stressful when you’re on a tight budget. If you’re looking to travel from Charleston, West Virginia to Wilmore, Kentucky, you may be wondering how much it will cost. In this article, we’ll explore the different routes you can take and the associated costs, so you can make an informed decision and enjoy your trip without any financial surprises.
Route Options
There are two main routes you can take from Charleston, West Virginia to Wilmore, Kentucky. The first takes you through Lexington, Kentucky and the second takes you through Cincinnati, Ohio. Let’s explore each option in detail.
Option 1: Charleston to Lexington to Wilmore
This route takes you through the heart of Kentucky’s bluegrass region, where you can enjoy scenic views of rolling hills and horse farms. Here’s a breakdown of the distance and cost for this route:
- Charleston to Lexington: 161 miles, 2 hours and 45 minutes
- Lexington to Wilmore: 19 miles, 25 minutes
Total distance: 180 miles Total Estimated Cost: $23.73
Fuel prices are subject to change, but as of August 2021, gasoline in West Virginia costs around $3.04 per gallon, and in Kentucky, it costs around $2.85 per gallon. Assuming your vehicle gets an average of 25 miles per gallon, the total fuel cost for this trip would be $23.73.
Option 2: Charleston to Cincinnati to Wilmore
This route takes you through Ohio and Kentucky, and you’ll pass through the Cincinnati metropolitan area. Here’s a breakdown of the distance and cost for this route:
- Charleston to Cincinnati: 220 miles, 3 hours and 35 minutes
- Cincinnati to Wilmore: 116 miles, 1 hour and 50 minutes
Total distance: 336 miles Total Estimated Cost: $44.11
Again, assuming your vehicle gets an average of 25 miles per gallon, the total fuel cost for this trip would be $44.11. Remember, fuel prices can vary based on your chosen gas station and if you have a rewards card, among other factors. Additionally, this route is significantly longer than the first option so you should expect to pay more in fuel costs.
Our Recommendation
Based on the comparison of the routes and fuel costs, we recommend taking option 1, the one that takes you through Lexington, Kentucky. Not only is this route shorter, but it is also cheaper. Furthermore, although the drive might be slightly longer, the scenic view of the Kentucky countryside is much more enjoyable than seeing steel and concrete in Ohio.
Final Thoughts
The cost of a road trip is not just the price of gas, but it also includes food and lodging expenses, as well as the ticket price for any attractions you plan to visit. To make the most of your budget, set a realistic daily spending limit and research for discount opportunities such as student or AAA discounts. As always, it is important to drive safely, which means not only following traffic laws, but also pulling-over when you feel fatigued to avoid accidents.
In conclusion, if you are planning a road trip from Charleston, West Virginia to Wilmore, Kentucky, be sure to choose the route that works best for your budget and enjoy the beautiful scenery watching cars passing by while listening to your favorite music. Bon voyage!