The Cost of a Trip from Binghamton, NY to Shelby, NC: Exploring Different Routes and Expenses

Are you planning a trip from Binghamton, New York to Shelby, North Carolina? Planning any trip involves not only considering the distance and time it will take but also the cost involved. One of the major expenses during a road trip is undoubtedly the cost of fuel. With fluctuating gas prices, it becomes imperative to analyze different routes and their associated costs. In this article, we will explore the various possible routes between Binghamton and Shelby, highlighting the cost and distance of each, ultimately recommending the most economical route to help you plan your trip wisely.

Route 1: Via I-81 South

The first route option we'll explore is taking I-81 South for a significant portion of the journey. Starting from Binghamton, NY, head south on I-81 towards the Pennsylvania state border. Continue on I-81 South all the way till you reach Roanoke, Virginia, where you'll merge onto I-77 South. Following I-77 South will eventually lead you to your destination, Shelby, NC.

This route spans approximately 620 miles and typically takes around 10 to 12 hours to cover the distance. Considering an average fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon (mpg) and a current gas price of $2.50 per gallon, the estimated cost of fuel for this route adds up to around $124.

Route 2: Via I-86 and I-77 South

Another route option to consider is taking I-86 and I-77 South for a portion of the journey, which may offer some alternative advantages. Begin your journey from Binghamton, NY, and head southwest on I-86 until you reach the Pennsylvania border. After crossing over into Pennsylvania, continue on I-86 until it merges with I-99 South near Altoona. Follow I-99 South until reaching the Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-76). Take exit 161 towards Carlisle to merge onto I-81 South. Continue on I-81 South until you reach Roanoke, Virginia, where you'll merge onto I-77 South. Finally, follow I-77 South to reach Shelby, NC.

This route covers a distance of approximately 670 miles and usually takes about 11 to 13 hours to complete. With an average fuel efficiency of 25 mpg and the current gas price of $2.50 per gallon, the estimated cost of fuel for this route amounts to approximately $134.

Route 3: Via I-90 and I-77 South

For those who prefer a slightly longer but potentially more scenic and enjoyable journey, taking I-90 and I-77 South is another option to consider. Starting from Binghamton, NY, head west on I-88 to Oneonta. From there, take the NY-28 South, and then turn onto NY-23 West. This will lead you to I-88 West, which merges with I-90 West near Schenectady. Follow I-90 West for a considerable distance, passing through cities such as Erie, PA, and Cleveland, OH. When approaching Akron, OH, merge onto I-77 South, which will lead you straight to Shelby, NC.

This particular route covers a distance of approximately 780 miles and could take around 13 to 15 hours to reach your destination. With an average fuel efficiency of 25 mpg and the current gas price of $2.50 per gallon, the estimated fuel cost for this route is roughly $156.

Route Recommendations & Conclusion

After analyzing the three possible routes between Binghamton, NY, and Shelby, NC, we can conclude that the most economical option is Route 1, which involves taking I-81 South for a significant portion of the journey. This route spans approximately 620 miles and saves you approximately 50 miles when compared to Route 2. Additionally, it is the shortest journey, taking around 10 to 12 hours to complete.

Considering the estimated fuel cost for each route, Route 1 would require around $124, Route 2 would cost approximately $134, and Route 3 would amount to roughly $156, assuming an average fuel efficiency of 25 mpg and the current gas price of $2.50 per gallon.

However, it's important to note that these estimates are based on current gas prices and average fuel efficiency. Gas prices are subject to change, and individual vehicle fuel efficiencies may vary. Therefore, it is always advisable to check the current gas prices and calculate based on your own vehicle's fuel efficiency before embarking on any trip.

In conclusion, if you are planning a trip from Binghamton, NY, to Shelby, NC, taking Route 1 via I-81 South is the most recommended option in terms of cost and distance. This route offers a comfortable travel time of 10 to 12 hours, ensuring an enjoyable road trip experience. Safe travels and have a great trip!