Driving Cost from Dunn, North Carolina to Columbia, South Carolina

A picture depicting a gas pump

The Cost of a Trip from Dunn, NC to Columbia, SC: A Comprehensive Guide

Planning a road trip from Dunn, North Carolina, to Columbia, South Carolina, involves several considerations, especially regarding travel costs. With fluctuating gas prices and various route options, understanding how each factor contributes to the overall expenditure is crucial. In this guide, we will explore different routes, their distances, costs, and ultimately recommend the best option for your journey.

Overview of the Trip

The distance between Dunn, NC, and Columbia, SC, is approximately 120 miles, depending on the route you choose. This road trip typically takes about 2 to 2.5 hours without significant stops or heavy traffic. However, factors like gas prices can impact the overall cost of your trip significantly.

Current Gas Prices

Before diving into the different routes, it's essential to check the latest gas prices. As of October 2023, the average gas price is approximately $3.40 per gallon. This rate may fluctuate based on geographic location and current events, so it’s a good idea to check the prices before starting your journey.

Assuming your vehicle averages about 25 miles per gallon, you’ll need around 5 gallons of gas for the trip. Therefore, the total fuel cost for a round trip would be approximately:

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Calculating both ways, we find:

  1. One-way fuel cost = 120 miles / 25 MPG * $3.40 = $16.32
  2. Round trip fuel cost = $16.32 * 2 = $32.64

Now let’s explore the routes in detail.

Route Options

When traveling from Dunn to Columbia, you have several route options, each with its own unique characteristics. The three primary routes include:

  1. Route 1: Interstate 95 to Interstate 26
  2. Route 2: US Highway 401 to Interstate 20
  3. Route 3: US Highway 301 and US Highway 76

Route 1: Interstate 95 to Interstate 26

This route is a straightforward option for most travelers coming from Dunn. The journey primarily utilizes major highways and is known for being relatively quick.

  • Distance: Approximately 122 miles
  • Estimated Drive Time: About 2 hours
  • Route: Dunn -> I-95 S -> I-26 W -> Columbia
  • Fuel Cost:
    • One-way = 122 miles / 25 MPG * $3.40 = $16.48
    • Round trip = $32.96

Pros:

  • Direct and straightforward.
  • Well-maintained highways.
  • Less chance of traffic if you travel during non-peak hours.

Cons:

  • Potential for heavy traffic around interchanges.

Route 2: US Highway 401 to Interstate 20

This route takes you through more rural areas and smaller towns, which might appeal to travelers looking for fewer highway miles.

  • Distance: Approximately 125 miles
  • Estimated Drive Time: About 2 hours and 15 minutes
  • Route: Dunn -> US-401 S -> I-20 W -> Columbia
  • Fuel Cost:
    • One-way = 125 miles / 25 MPG * $3.40 = $17.00
    • Round trip = $34.00

Pros:

  • Scenic views through small towns.
  • Less traffic congestion compared to major highways.

Cons:

  • Takes slightly longer than major highways.
  • Fewer amenities like gas stations and restaurants.

Route 3: US Highway 301 and US Highway 76

This option offers an alternative path to Columbia, though it is not as commonly used.

  • Distance: Approximately 130 miles
  • Estimated Drive Time: About 2 hours and 30 minutes
  • Route: Dunn -> US-301 S -> US-76 W -> Columbia
  • Fuel Cost:
    • One-way = 130 miles / 25 MPG * $3.40 = $17.56
    • Round trip = $35.12

Pros:

  • Less traveled, resulting in a more peaceful driving experience.
  • Opportunities to explore natural surroundings.

Cons:

  • Longest distance and time of the three routes.
  • Potentially fewer services along the route.

Recommendations

After evaluating the distances, costs, and travel times for each route, Route 1: Interstate 95 to Interstate 26 emerges as the most efficient option. Not only does it offer a balance between distance and convenience, but it also provides a relatively swift and comfortable experience for road travelers.

Conclusion

Your road trip from Dunn, North Carolina, to Columbia, South Carolina, enjoys a favorable landscape of routes, with distances ranging from 120 to 130 miles and costs fluctuating slightly based on the chosen path. Opting for Route 1, which takes approximately 2 hours, allows you to enjoy the journey without unnecessary delays. With a round trip cost of about $32.96, this route offers good value for your travel investments, making it a smart choice for both leisure and business travelers alike. Plan ahead, stay updated on gas prices, and enjoy your trip!