Driving Cost from Cincinnati, Ohio to Charleston, South Carolina

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The Cost of Driving From Cincinnati, Ohio to Charleston, South Carolina

Are you planning a road trip from Cincinnati, Ohio to Charleston, South Carolina? It's a beautiful journey filled with scenic landscapes and historic landmarks. However, before hitting the road, it's essential to plan your trip and consider the cost of driving. In this blog post, we'll explore different routes, their distances, travel time, and the cost of each route based on current gas prices.

The Most Direct Route: Via I-75 South and I-64 East

The shortest and most direct route from Cincinnati to Charleston is approximately 513 miles via I-75 South and I-64 East. The estimated travel time for this route is around 8 hours. Here's a breakdown of the costs for this route:

  • With an average gas price of $2.80 per gallon, you'll consume around 60 gallons of gas for the entire trip, amounting to a total cost of $168 (60 gallons * $2.80 per gallon).
  • Along this route, there are no tolls to worry about.

The Scenic Option: Via I-71 South and I-64 East

If you prefer a more scenic drive with a detour through the picturesque Appalachian Mountains, you can take the route via I-71 South and I-64 East. This route adds some extra miles to your journey, totaling around 556 miles. The estimated travel time for this route is about 9 hours. Let's look at the cost breakdown:

  • With the same average gas price of $2.80 per gallon, the total cost for this route will be slightly higher. Considering the extra mileage, you'll consume approximately 62 gallons of gas for a total cost of $173.60 (62 gallons * $2.80 per gallon).
  • There are no tolls to worry about along this route as well.

The Quickest Route: Via I-64 East

If your main priority is to reach Charleston in the shortest time possible, then taking I-64 East is the route for you. This route is approximately 550 miles long, and you can expect a travel time of around 9 hours and 30 minutes. Here's a breakdown of the costs involved:

  • Following the same average gas price of $2.80 per gallon, you'll consume approximately 62 gallons of gas for the entire trip, totaling around $173.60 (62 gallons * $2.80 per gallon).
  • Along this route, you'll encounter a few tolls. The cost of tolls can vary, but you can expect to spend approximately $15 in toll fees throughout the journey.

Taking Time for Sightseeing: Alternate Route via Blue Ridge Parkway

If you have the luxury of time and want to enjoy breathtaking scenery along the way, an alternate route via the Blue Ridge Parkway is worth considering. Although this route adds significant mileage, reaching approximately 805 miles, the travel time can extend to around 14 hours due to the lower speed limits along the parkway. Let's discuss the costs:

  • With the same average gas price of $2.80 per gallon, you'll need approximately 108 gallons of gas for this lengthy trip, resulting in a total cost of approximately $302.40 (108 gallons * $2.80 per gallon).
  • Since this route is primarily on parkways and scenic roads, tolls are not a concern.

When planning your road trip from Cincinnati to Charleston, it's crucial to consider your priorities. Whether it's the shortest route, the most scenic drive, or taking time for sightseeing, each option comes with its own mileage, travel time, and associated costs. Make sure to account for current gas prices and any tolls along your chosen route to budget accordingly. Safe travels and enjoy the journey!