Driving Cost from Deltona, Florida to Suntree, Florida

A picture depicting a gas pump

Understanding the Cost of a Trip from Deltona to Suntree, Florida Based on Current Gas Prices

Planning a road trip is exciting, but understanding the expenses involved is essential in ensuring that your travel budget is realistic and manageable. If you're considering a journey from Deltona, Florida, to Suntree, Florida, it's crucial to analyze the costs associated with gas, distance, and the various routes available. This article will break down your trip's potential costs and provide recommendations for your travel itinerary.

Current Gas Prices

Before delving into routes and distances, we must understand current gas prices in Florida. As of October 2023, the average cost of regular gasoline in Florida is approximately $3.40 per gallon. However, gas prices can fluctuate based on several factors, including location, demand, and even time of year. To estimate the cost of your trip accurately, you’ll need to know your vehicle's fuel efficiency (miles per gallon, or MPG).

Fuel Efficiency Considerations

Most vehicles range from around 20 to 30 MPG, depending on factors such as the make, model, and driving habits. For this article, let’s assume an average fuel efficiency of 25 MPG. This number serves as a benchmark, allowing travelers to gauge their expected fuel costs for the trip.

Distance and Route Options

The journey from Deltona to Suntree spans approximately 40 to 50 miles, depending on the route taken. Here are three common routes travelers can consider:

Route 1: Via Interstate 95 South

  1. Distance: Approximately 45 miles
  2. Approximate Travel Time: 50 minutes
  3. Directions:
    • Start on FL-417 Toll South.
    • Merge onto I-95 South toward Miami.
    • Take Exit 180B toward US-192 East.
    • Follow US-192 East to Suntree.

Cost Breakdown

  • Total Miles: 45 miles
  • Gallons of Gas Used: 45 miles ÷ 25 MPG = 1.8 gallons
  • Cost of Gas: 1.8 gallons × $3.40 = $6.12

Route 2: Via State Route 4 (I-4)

  1. Distance: Approximately 50 miles
  2. Approximate Travel Time: 1 hour
  3. Directions:
    • Start on FL-415 South.
    • Merge onto I-4 East toward Daytona Beach.
    • Continue on I-4 East and take Exit 87B for FL-528 toward Cocoa.
    • Merge onto FL-528 East and follow to Suntree.

Cost Breakdown

  • Total Miles: 50 miles
  • Gallons of Gas Used: 50 miles ÷ 25 MPG = 2.0 gallons
  • Cost of Gas: 2.0 gallons × $3.40 = $6.80

Route 3: Via US-1

  1. Distance: Approximately 48 miles
  2. Approximate Travel Time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
  3. Directions:
    • Start on FL-415 South toward New Smyrna Beach.
    • Merge onto US-1 South through Cocoa.
    • Take the exit toward Suntree.

Cost Breakdown

  • Total Miles: 48 miles
  • Gallons of Gas Used: 48 miles ÷ 25 MPG = 1.92 gallons
  • Cost of Gas: 1.92 gallons × $3.40 = $6.53

Comparison of Routes

Route Distance (miles) Travel Time Cost of Gas
Interstate 95 South 45 50 minutes $6.12
I-4 50 1 hour $6.80
US-1 48 1 hour, 10 minutes $6.53

Given the comparison of distance, travel time, and gas costs, Route 1 via Interstate 95 South stands out as the best option for this trip. This route offers the shortest distance, a reasonable travel time, and the lowest gas cost, making it an ideal choice for your journey.

Additional Costs to Consider

While gas expenses dominate your trip's budget, travelers should also account for other potential costs that may arise during their trip:

  • Tolls: Be prepared to pay tolls along the way. Florida has several toll roads, and costs can vary depending on the route you take. If traveling along the FL-417 Toll, plan for expenses starting at around $2.00 to $5.00.

  • Food and Drinks: Depending on your travel duration, you might want to stop for snacks or meals. A quick stop could cost anywhere from $10 to $30 per person.

  • Rest Breaks: While not a direct cost, consider stopping to stretch your legs, especially on longer trips. These breaks can potentially lead to gas or food expenses.

Final Thoughts

Traveling from Deltona to Suntree, Florida, can be a fun and fulfilling experience. By analyzing routes and associated costs, we suggest that Route 1 via Interstate 95 South is the most cost-effective and time-efficient option for your journey. Based on our estimates, the trip will cover around 45 miles and take about 50 minutes, costing approximately $6.12 in gas. Factors such as fuel efficiency, driving habits, and any stops made along the way will affect actual costs, but planning ahead allows for a smoother travel experience. Safe travels!