The Cost of Driving From Dortches, North Carolina to Spanaway, Washington: An Expense Breakdown

Planning a road trip? If you're considering driving from Dortches, North Carolina, to Spanaway, Washington, you’re in for quite the adventure! With any cross-country drive, costs can add up, especially when it comes to gas. In this post, we’ll explore a couple of common routes you might take, along with estimated distances, travel times, and costs based on current gas prices.

Route 1: The Southern Route

This first route takes you through the South, passing through states like Tennessee, Arkansas, and Texas.

• Distance: 2,600 miles
• Travel Time: about 39 hours (without long stops)
• Cost:

Let’s break down the cost. As of October 2023, the national average gas price hovers around $3.60 per gallon. Assuming your vehicle averages 25 miles per gallon, you’ll need roughly 104 gallons of gas for this route.

Calculating the fuel cost: 104 gallons x $3.60/gallon = $374.40

In addition to fuel, you might encounter a few tolls. On this route, expect around $25 in tolls. So, the total estimated cost for Route 1 would be:

Total Cost: $399.40

Route 2: The Northern Route

For this second route, you'll steer through the Northern states, taking you via Virginia, Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois.

• Distance: 2,900 miles
• Travel Time: approximately 44 hours (again, without long stops)
• Cost:

Using the same gas price of $3.60 per gallon, and considering your vehicle still achieves 25 miles per gallon, you’ll need about 116 gallons for this journey.

Here’s how that cost breaks down: 116 gallons x $3.60/gallon = $417.60

Similar to the first route, there might be some tolls along the way. Anticipate around $30 in tolls for this route. Therefore, the total estimated cost for Route 2 ends up being:

Total Cost: $447.60

Conclusion: Choosing Your Route

To sum it up, your choice of routes from Dortches to Spanaway can significantly affect both your travel time and your expenses. On the Southern Route, you'll walk away with a total estimated cost of $399.40, while the Northern Route will set you back about $447.60.

Ultimately, your decision will depend on the sights you want to see, the time you have to spare, and of course, your budget. Whichever path you choose, one thing’s for sure: you're in for an incredible journey across this beautiful country. Safe travels!