The Cost of a Trip: Chattanooga, Tennessee to Elmira, New York

When planning a trip from Chattanooga, Tennessee to Elmira, New York, one of the most important factors to consider is the cost. Gas prices fluctuate, and the distance between these two cities is substantial, so it's essential to weigh the cost of fuel against the distance and route options available. In this article, we will examine the various route options, the cost of each route, and ultimately recommend the best route based on current gas prices.

Route Options

Route 1: I-75 N to I-81 N

The first route option is to take I-75 North until it intersects with I-81, then continue on I-81 North to Elmira. This route covers a distance of approximately 810 miles and takes approximately 12 hours to drive.

Route 2: I-24 E to I-40 E

Another route option is to take I-24 East until it intersects with I-40, then continue on I-40 East to Elmira. This route covers a distance of approximately 900 miles and takes approximately 13 hours to drive.

Route 3: I-59 N to I-81 N

The third route option is to take I-59 North until it intersects with I-81, then continue on I-81 North to Elmira. This route covers a distance of approximately 830 miles and takes approximately 12.5 hours to drive.

The Cost of Each Route

To calculate the cost of each route, we will take into account the average gas mileage of a typical vehicle (25 miles per gallon), as well as the average gas prices in the respective states along the route. As of the time of this writing, the average gas price in Tennessee is $2.84 per gallon, while in New York, it is $3.05 per gallon.

Using these figures, we can estimate the cost of gas for each route based on the distance and the average gas mileage.

Route 1: I-75 N to I-81 N

Given the distance of approximately 810 miles and an average gas mileage of 25 miles per gallon, the trip would require approximately 32.4 gallons of gas. At an average gas price of $2.84 per gallon, the total cost of gas for this route would be approximately $92.02.

Route 2: I-24 E to I-40 E

With a distance of approximately 900 miles and the same average gas mileage, this trip would require approximately 36 gallons of gas. At an average gas price of $2.84 per gallon, the total cost of gas for this route would be approximately $102.24.

Route 3: I-59 N to I-81 N

This route, covering a distance of approximately 830 miles, would require around 33.2 gallons of gas. At an average gas price of $2.84 per gallon, the total cost of gas for this route would be approximately $94.23.

Recommendation

Based on the cost of gas and the distance of each route, Route 1 (I-75 N to I-81 N) appears to be the most cost-effective option. While it may not be the shortest route, the lower cost of gas in Tennessee compared to New York makes it the most economical choice for this trip.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the recommended route for a trip from Chattanooga, Tennessee to Elmira, New York is Route 1, which involves taking I-75 North to I-81 North. This route offers the best combination of cost efficiency and driving distance. With an estimated cost of approximately $92.02 for gas and a driving time of 12 hours, it provides a balance between economy and convenience. Safe travels!