The Cost of Driving From Chincoteague, Virginia to Salem, Virginia

Are you planning a road trip from Chincoteague, Virginia to Salem, Virginia? Whether you're heading to Salem for a weekend getaway or visiting friends and family, it's always essential to plan your trip carefully, including factoring in the cost. In this blog post, we'll explore the different routes you can take, highlight the distance, time, and cost of each route based on current gas prices.

Through Norfolk

One route you can take from Chincoteague to Salem is through Norfolk. This route covers a distance of about 200 miles and will take you approximately 4 hours to reach your destination.

To start your journey, head west on Route 175 until you reach the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel toll plaza. Be prepared to pay the toll fee, which is currently $15.00 for regular vehicles. Once you cross the bridge-tunnel, continue onto US-13 N. You'll then merge onto I-64 W, which will take you straight through Norfolk.

Now, let's talk about the cost breakdown for this route. Assuming an average gas price of $2.50 per gallon and an average fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, you'll need approximately 8 gallons of gas for this route. With the total distance being 200 miles, the fuel cost for this portion of the trip will be around $20.00.

Additionally, the toll fee for the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel will be $15.00, as mentioned earlier. So, the total cost of driving through Norfolk, including the toll and gas, will amount to approximately $35.00.

Through Richmond

Another option for your trip to Salem from Chincoteague is taking the route through Richmond. This route covers a longer distance of approximately 250 miles and will take you around 5 hours to reach your destination.

To start this journey, head south on Route 175 until you reach US-13 S. Continue on US-13 S until you merge onto US-58 W. Follow US-58 W until you reach I-85 N, which will lead you straight into Richmond.

Let's break down the cost for this route. Assuming the same average gas price of $2.50 per gallon and an average fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, you'll need around 10 gallons of gas for this trip. With the total distance being 250 miles, the fuel cost will amount to approximately $25.00.

Unlike the previous route, there are no tolls along this route. Therefore, the only cost associated with driving through Richmond will be the fuel cost of $25.00.

Through Charlottesville

A third option you have is driving through Charlottesville on your way to Salem. This route covers a distance of approximately 240 miles and will take you around 4.5 hours to reach your destination.

To begin your journey, head west on Route 175 until you reach US-13 N. Continue on US-13 N until you merge onto US-33 W. Follow US-33 W until you arrive in Charlottesville.

Now, let's talk expenses. Assuming the same average gas price of $2.50 per gallon and an average fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, you'll need roughly 10 gallons of gas for this route. With the total distance being 240 miles, the fuel cost will be approximately $25.00.

Similar to the previous route, there are no tolls along this route. Thus, the only cost associated with driving through Charlottesville will be the fuel cost of $25.00.

Conclusion

When planning your road trip from Chincoteague, Virginia to Salem, Virginia, it's important to consider the distance, time, and cost associated with each route. While the route through Norfolk may be the shortest, it incurs a toll fee of $15.00 in addition to the fuel cost of $20.00. On the other hand, driving through Richmond or Charlottesville may be slightly longer but offers a more affordable journey with a fuel cost of $25.00 and no tolls.

Remember, gas prices may fluctuate, so it's always a good idea to double-check fuel prices before hitting the road. Safe travels and enjoy your trip!