Driving Cost from Dothan, Alabama to Sumter, South Carolina

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The Cost of a Road Trip: Dothan, Alabama to Sumter, South Carolina

Planning a trip often involves more than just identifying exciting destinations; it also requires careful budgeting. If you're considering a journey from Dothan, Alabama, to Sumter, South Carolina, you’ll want to understand the cost implications, especially in light of fluctuating gas prices. This article will guide you through potential routes, their distances, and the overall cost of fuel based on current gas prices.

Understanding the Distance

Before diving into costs, let’s first gauge the distance between Dothan and Sumter. The road distance between these two cities is approximately 150 miles. However, depending on the route you choose, this can vary slightly.

Current Gas Prices

As of now, the average cost of a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline in the Dothan area is around $3.10. This value tends to fluctuate based on season and local demand, so it’s wise to check current prices just before your trip. For the purpose of this article, we will use $3.10 as our baseline for calculating fuel costs.

Fuel Efficiency Calculations

To estimate the cost of the trip, you need to factor in your vehicle's miles per gallon (MPG) efficiency. We'll consider the following types of vehicles:

  • Compact Car: average 30 MPG
  • Midsize Car: average 25 MPG
  • SUV: average 20 MPG
  • Pickup Truck: average 15 MPG

Using these averages, we can calculate the amount of fuel needed for each vehicle type.

Potential Routes

Route 1: I-85 North

The first potential route takes you on Interstate 85 North. This is one of the most direct and efficient routes, with an estimated driving distance of about 160 miles.

  1. Start on US-231 North
  2. Merge onto I-85 North towards Montgomery
  3. Continue on I-85 North until you reach US-378 East
  4. Take US-378 East to Sumter

Cost Analysis for Route 1:

  • Compact Car (30 MPG):

    • Fuel Needed: 5.33 gallons
    • Cost: 5.33 gallons * $3.10 = $16.54

  • Midsize Car (25 MPG):

    • Fuel Needed: 6.4 gallons
    • Cost: 6.4 gallons * $3.10 = $19.84

  • SUV (20 MPG):

    • Fuel Needed: 8 gallons
    • Cost: 8 gallons * $3.10 = $24.80

  • Pickup Truck (15 MPG):

    • Fuel Needed: 10.67 gallons
    • Cost: 10.67 gallons * $3.10 = $33.08

Route 2: US-431 North

The second route offers an alternative primarily using US-431 North. This road is somewhat picturesque but adds a few more miles to your distance (approximately 175 miles).

  1. Start on US-431 North
  2. Follow US-431 to I-85 North
  3. Continue on I-85 North until US-378 East
  4. Follow US-378 East to Sumter

Cost Analysis for Route 2:

  • Compact Car (30 MPG):

    • Fuel Needed: 5.83 gallons
    • Cost: 5.83 gallons * $3.10 = $18.06

  • Midsize Car (25 MPG):

    • Fuel Needed: 7 gallons
    • Cost: 7 gallons * $3.10 = $21.70

  • SUV (20 MPG):

    • Fuel Needed: 8.75 gallons
    • Cost: 8.75 gallons * $3.10 = $27.12

  • Pickup Truck (15 MPG):

    • Fuel Needed: 11.67 gallons
    • Cost: 11.67 gallons * $3.10 = $36.19

Route 3: I-85 with an Alternative Exit

Route three offers an alternative that begins similarly, taking I-85, but it exits earlier onto SC-39, which brings you to Sumter through scenic backroads, partially avoiding the interstate. The total distance is around 165 miles.

  1. Start on US-231 North
  2. Merge onto I-85 North
  3. Take exit 25 for SC-39
  4. Follow SC-39 South to Sumter

Cost Analysis for Route 3:

  • Compact Car (30 MPG):

    • Fuel Needed: 5.5 gallons
    • Cost: 5.5 gallons * $3.10 = $17.05

  • Midsize Car (25 MPG):

    • Fuel Needed: 6.6 gallons
    • Cost: 6.6 gallons * $3.10 = $20.46

  • SUV (20 MPG):

    • Fuel Needed: 8.25 gallons
    • Cost: 8.25 gallons * $3.10 = $25.58

  • Pickup Truck (15 MPG):

    • Fuel Needed: 11 gallons
    • Cost: 11 gallons * $3.10 = $34.10

Given the comparisons among the routes, Route 1 (I-85 North) stands out as the most economical option while also being relatively faster and more straightforward. Its overall distance is the shortest, helping minimize fuel costs and reducing travel time. Besides saving money, the streamlined path allows travelers to reach Sumter more quickly.

Key Fuel Costs for Recommended Route:

  • Compact Car: $16.54
  • Midsize Car: $19.84
  • SUV: $24.80
  • Pickup Truck: $33.08

Conclusion

In summary, making the trip from Dothan, Alabama to Sumter, South Carolina costs between $16.54 and $33.08, depending on the vehicle type and its fuel efficiency. Route 1 via I-85 provides not only the best cost-efficiency but also a pleasant driving experience. Expect to complete your journey in about 2.5 to 3 hours, allowing some extra time for potential breaks or detours along the way. Whether you're heading for a weekend getaway or simply passing through, understanding the costs will help you travel wisely.