Driving Cost from Daytona Beach, Florida to Savannah, Georgia

A picture depicting a gas pump

Calculating the Cost of a Trip from Daytona Beach, Florida to Savannah, Georgia Based on Current Gas Prices

Planning a trip between Daytona Beach, Florida, and Savannah, Georgia, requires careful consideration of cost, distance, and routes. With fluctuating gas prices affecting travel budgets, understanding the various routes and their respective costs helps in making an informed decision for your journey. This guide delves into the possible routes, distances, fuel economy, and ultimate trip costs based on current gas prices.

Understanding the Journey

Daytona Beach, known for its vibrant beach culture, motorsports, and as a prime vacation spot, provides a perfect starting point for a trip to the historic city of Savannah. The distance between these two destinations is approximately 262 miles. Depending on the chosen route, travel time can vary, but generally, it ranges between four to five hours.

Current Gas Prices Impacting Your Trip

As of October 2023, the average gas price in Florida stands at approximately $3.30 per gallon. For planning purposes, we assume a vehicle fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, which is fairly standard for many cars on the road today. By keeping these parameters in mind, we can calculate the overall cost for this trip.

Route Options Between Daytona Beach and Savannah

Travelers can choose from several routes when embarking on the journey from Daytona Beach to Savannah. The three main routes are as follows:

Route 1: I-95 North

Distance: Approximately 265 miles
Estimated Driving Time: 4 hours and 15 minutes
Cost of Gas: $35.88

The most straightforward and popular route is I-95 North. This interstate runs directly from Daytona Beach to Savannah. The route offers a fast and efficient travel option, with plenty of rest areas and food stops. One can expect minor traffic through urban areas, especially near Jacksonville.

Calculating Costs:

  1. Total miles: 265
  2. Miles per gallon: 25
  3. Gallons of gas needed: 265 miles ÷ 25 mpg = 10.6 gallons
  4. Total gas cost: 10.6 gallons × $3.30/gallon = $35.88

Route 2: US-17 North

Distance: Approximately 285 miles
Estimated Driving Time: 4 hours and 30 minutes
Cost of Gas: $37.62

The second popular route is US-17 North. This road offers a blend of scenic views and direct travel to Savannah. While it is slightly longer and takes a bit more time, riders enjoy beautiful landscapes and charming small towns along the way. Traffic is generally lighter compared to I-95.

Calculating Costs:

  1. Total miles: 285
  2. Gallons of gas needed: 285 miles ÷ 25 mpg = 11.4 gallons
  3. Total gas cost: 11.4 gallons × $3.30/gallon = $37.62

Route 3: Alternate Route via I-95 and I-16

Distance: Approximately 275 miles
Estimated Driving Time: 4 hours and 45 minutes
Cost of Gas: $36.30

An alternative route that some travelers prefer combines I-95 and I-16. Although it has a higher mileage than the I-95 direct route, it circumvents some of the busier urban traffic zones. However, it does add to the driving time and may have fewer amenities along the way.

Calculating Costs:

  1. Total miles: 275
  2. Gallons of gas needed: 275 miles ÷ 25 mpg = 11 gallons
  3. Total gas cost: 11 gallons × $3.30/gallon = $36.30

Recommendations

After analyzing the costs and driving times of these routes, it is evident that the first option, I-95 North, is the most efficient choice for most travelers from Daytona Beach to Savannah. Not only does it offer the shortest distance, but it also provides the quickest travel time and competitive gas costs.

While US-17 offers beautiful scenery, the slight increase in mileage and time does not make it a priority for those on a tighter schedule. The alternate route via I-95 and I-16 has its advantages but is also more time-consuming than necessary for most drivers.

Concluding Thoughts

Embarking on a road trip from Daytona Beach to Savannah is not only a great way to see the sights but also offers a marvelous escape for a long weekend or a quick vacation. Based on current gas prices, the trip along I-95 North takes about 4 hours and 15 minutes and costs approximately $35.88 for gas, making it an economical and convenient choice. The memories made and the experiences gained from this coastal journey will undoubtedly enrich any traveler’s itinerary. Choose your route wisely, and arrive in Savannah ready to explore its rich history and vibrant culture.