The Cost of Driving From Chesapeake, Virginia to Wilmington, North Carolina Based on Current Gas Prices
Are you planning a road trip from Chesapeake, Virginia to Wilmington, North Carolina? Before hitting the road, it's important to consider the cost of your journey. In this blog post, we'll explore different routes, their distances, travel times, and the overall cost of each route, taking into account current gas prices. So buckle up and let's get started!
Route 1: I-64 E and US-17 S
The most direct route from Chesapeake, Virginia to Wilmington, North Carolina is via I-64 E and US-17 S. This scenic route covers approximately 164 miles and takes around 3 hours to reach your destination.
The cost of this route primarily consists of gas expenses. With the current average gas price of $2.60 per gallon, and assuming your vehicle has an average fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, the estimated cost for this route would be:
- Distance: 164 miles
- Gas cost: 164 miles / 25 miles per gallon * $2.60 per gallon = $17.08
Please note that tolls are not applicable for this particular route, making it a wallet-friendly option.
Route 2: US-17 Bypass and US-421 S
For those looking to explore more scenic landscapes on their journey, an alternative route is taking US-17 Bypass and US-421 S. Although this route adds a few extra miles and minutes to your trip, the picturesque views make it worthwhile.
This route covers approximately 176 miles and will take around 3.5 hours to complete.
Considering the same average gas price and fuel efficiency as before, the estimated cost for this route would be:
- Distance: 176 miles
- Gas cost: 176 miles / 25 miles per gallon * $2.60 per gallon = $18.18
Keep in mind that this route includes tolls. The current toll rates for this journey amount to:
- Toll cost: $4.00 (I-64 Chesapeake Expressway toll) + $2.00 (Midtown Tunnel Toll) + $5.50 (Cape Fear Memorial Bridge toll) = $11.50
Therefore, the total cost for this route, including gas and tolls, would be $18.18 + $11.50 = $29.68.
Route 3: I-464 S and US-17 S
Another route option to consider is taking I-464 S and US-17 S. This route provides a mix of highway driving and smaller scenic roads.
The distance covered by this route is approximately 170 miles, and it will take around 3.25 hours to reach Wilmington.
Using the same gas price and fuel efficiency as mentioned earlier, the estimated cost for this route would be:
- Distance: 170 miles
- Gas cost: 170 miles / 25 miles per gallon * $2.60 = $17.68
Similar to Route 2, this route also includes tolls:
- Toll cost: $4.00 (I-64 Chesapeake Expressway toll) + $2.00 (Midtown Tunnel Toll) + $3.00 (South Norfolk Jordan Bridge toll) + $5.50 (Cape Fear Memorial Bridge toll) = $14.50
So, the total cost for this route, including gas and tolls, would be $17.68 + $14.50 = $32.18.
Choosing the Best Route for You
Now that we've explored three different routes from Chesapeake, Virginia to Wilmington, North Carolina, it's time for you to decide which one suits your preferences and budget. Whether you prioritize a direct and budget-friendly journey or seek scenic and slightly longer routes, remember to factor in gas prices and tolls when planning your trip. Safe travels and enjoy exploring the beautiful North Carolina coastline!