Driving Cost from Dayton, Ohio to Clarksville, Tennessee

A picture depicting a gas pump

Calculating the Cost of a Road Trip: Dayton, Ohio to Clarksville, Tennessee Based on Current Gas Prices

Planning a road trip between Dayton, Ohio, and Clarksville, Tennessee, involves more than just packing your bags and hitting the road. You need to consider distance, possible routes, travel time, and, importantly, fuel costs. In this article, we break down the costs associated with this trip based on current gas prices and provide you with information on the best routes to take.

Overview of the Trip

Distance and Estimated Travel Time

The distance from Dayton, Ohio to Clarksville, Tennessee is approximately 370 miles, depending on the route you choose. The journey generally takes around 5.5 to 7 hours of driving time, depending on traffic conditions, speed limits, and rest stops.

Current Gas Prices

As of October 2023, the average gas price in Ohio is about $3.50 per gallon, while in Tennessee, it’s approximately $3.20 per gallon. For the purposes of this article, we will use an average gas price of $3.35 per gallon when calculating your travel costs.

Fuel Efficiency

To calculate fuel costs, consider your vehicle's miles per gallon (MPG). For this article, we’ll assume an average vehicle fuel efficiency of 25 MPG. This is a reasonable estimate for many cars on the road today.

Route Options

Now let's explore several possible routes from Dayton to Clarksville, along with their distances, estimated travel times, and associated fuel costs.

Route 1: I-75 S and I-24 W

  • Distance: 370 miles
  • Estimated Travel Time: 5 hours 40 minutes
  • Route Description: This route takes you south from Dayton on I-75, passing through cities like Cincinnati and Lexington before joining I-24 and heading toward Clarksville.

Cost Calculation

  1. Calculate the number of gallons needed:
    • Gallons = Distance / MPG = 370 miles / 25 MPG = 14.8 gallons
  2. Calculate the cost of gas:
    • Cost = Gallons × Price per gallon = 14.8 × $3.35 = $49.48

Route 2: I-70 W to I-65 S

  • Distance: 400 miles
  • Estimated Travel Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
  • Route Description: This route takes I-70 W from Dayton to Indianapolis, then I-65 S to Nashville, finally taking I-24 N to reach Clarksville.

Cost Calculation

  1. Calculate the number of gallons needed:
    • Gallons = 400 miles / 25 MPG = 16 gallons
  2. Calculate the cost of gas:
    • Cost = 16 gallons × $3.35 = $53.60

Route 3: I-75 S to I-40 W

  • Distance: 415 miles
  • Estimated Travel Time: 6 hours 45 minutes
  • Route Description: Start on I-75 S, then head west on I-40 after passing through Knoxville before turning north toward Clarksville.

Cost Calculation

  1. Calculate the number of gallons needed:
    • Gallons = 415 miles / 25 MPG = 16.6 gallons
  2. Calculate the cost of gas:
    • Cost = 16.6 gallons × $3.35 = $55.51

Comparison of the Routes

Route Distance (miles) Travel Time (hours) Cost of Gas
I-75 S and I-24 W 370 5.5 $49.48
I-70 W to I-65 S 400 6.5 $53.60
I-75 S to I-40 W 415 6.75 $55.51

After comparing the distances, travel times, and costs, the best route from Dayton to Clarksville is the first option: taking I-75 S to I-24 W. It offers the shortest distance and the lowest fuel cost. This route ensures that you spend less time driving and less money on gas, making it the most practical choice for your road trip.

Additional Costs to Consider

While gas is a significant part of your road trip budget, be sure to factor in additional costs that can accumulate during your journey:

  1. Food and Drink: Depending on your travel preferences, plan for meals. Fast food may run you about $10 to $15 per meal, while dining at a sit-down restaurant could cost you $20 or more per person.

  2. Lodging: If you plan on breaking the trip into two days or if you start your journey late, budget for hotel or motel accommodations. Prices may range from $70 to $150 per night.

  3. Tolls: Although this route is primarily interstate, keep an eye out for any toll roads along the way. Some drivers might also need to consider the cost of parking if they plan to visit attractions in Clarksville.

  4. Snacks and Supplies: Stocking up on snacks and drinks can enhance your road trip experience. Prepare a small budget for convenience store stops along the route.

Tips for Saving on Fuel Costs

  1. Use an App: Utilize apps or websites that track gas prices along your route to find the cheapest fuel stations.

  2. Maintain Your Vehicle: Ensure that your tires are properly inflated and your engine is well-maintained to maximize fuel efficiency.

  3. Drive Steadily: Maintain a constant speed and avoid hard accelerations and brakes to improve your gas mileage.

  4. Limit Air Conditioning: Use your vehicle's air conditioning sparingly, as it can decrease fuel efficiency.

Conclusion

In summary, the road trip from Dayton, Ohio, to Clarksville, Tennessee, will cover approximately 370 miles, taking you about 5.5 hours when you choose the most efficient route via I-75 S and I-24 W. With an estimated fuel cost of just under $50, this trip provides a cost-effective way to enjoy a change of scenery. Whether you're traveling alone, with family, or friends, it's a journey filled with potential adventures awaiting at your destination. Safe travels!