The Cost of a Trip between Columbus, Ohio and Mount Pleasant, South Carolina: A Comparison of Routes and Gas Prices

When it comes to planning a road trip from Columbus, Ohio to Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, one of the most crucial factors to consider is the cost of the trip. Gas prices can fluctuate, affecting the overall cost of the journey. In this article, we will explore the different possible routes for this trip, highlighting the cost and distance of each one, and ultimately recommending the best route based on current gas prices.

Route 1: I-77 S

The first route we will consider is taking Interstate 77 South. This route spans approximately 600 miles and takes around 9 hours to complete. According to current gas prices, the average cost of gas for this route is estimated to be around $150 for a round trip. This estimate is based on the assumption that the vehicle gets around 25 miles per gallon and that the average gas price is around $2.50 per gallon along the route.

Route 2: I-71 S and I-64 E

Another possible route is to take Interstate 71 South and then switch to Interstate 64 East. This route covers approximately 650 miles and takes around 10 hours to complete. Due to the slightly longer distance, the average cost of gas for this route is estimated to be around $160 for a round trip, using the same assumptions for gas mileage and prices as the previous route.

Route 3: I-70 E and I-77 S

The third route to consider is taking Interstate 70 East and then switching to Interstate 77 South. This route spans approximately 700 miles and takes around 11 hours to complete. The increased distance results in a higher estimated cost of gas, coming in at around $175 for a round trip, based on the same gas mileage and prices.

Recommended Route

Based on the comparison of the three routes, the most cost-effective option is Route 1, taking Interstate 77 South. While it is the shortest route in terms of distance, it also offers the lowest estimated cost of gas, making it the most economical choice for travelers looking to save on fuel expenses.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the recommended route from Columbus, Ohio to Mount Pleasant, South Carolina is via Interstate 77 South. The estimated cost of gas for this route is around $150 for a round trip, making it the most budget-friendly option. With current gas prices in mind, this route provides a balance of cost-effectiveness and travel time, taking approximately 9 hours to complete. As always, it's important to consider factors such as traffic and road conditions when planning a road trip, but in terms of cost, Route 1 is the way to go.