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

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Understanding the Cost of Your Trip: Dunn, North Carolina to Florence, South Carolina

Planning a road trip often involves a careful consideration of costs, especially when it comes to fuel expenditures. If you’re looking to travel from Dunn, North Carolina to Florence, South Carolina, you’ll want to analyze your options, including distance, gas prices, and routes. This article provides insights into the various routes you can take, along with an estimation of fuel costs based on current gas prices, and ultimately concludes with the most efficient option for your journey.

Current Gas Prices

Before diving into route analysis, let's examine the average gas prices in North Carolina and South Carolina. As of October 2023, the average price for gasoline in North Carolina is around $3.20 per gallon, while in South Carolina, it hovers around $3.05 per gallon. These prices can vary based on location and time, but we'll use these averages as a basis for calculating fuel costs for your trip.

Trip Overview

The distance between Dunn, NC, and Florence, SC, is approximately 97 miles, depending on the route you choose. The drive can take anywhere from 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic conditions and stops along the way. Understanding the routes available can help you pick the best one based on time and cost.

Route Options

Route 1: I-95 South via I-795 S

  1. Distance: About 106 miles
  2. Estimated Driving Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
  3. Route Description: Starting from Dunn, head south on I-795. Merge onto I-95 South near Benson, NC, and continue to Florence, SC.
  4. Gas Consumption: Assuming a vehicle that averages 25 miles per gallon (mpg), you would need approximately 4.24 gallons for this route.
  5. Fuel Cost: At an average price of $3.20 per gallon, your total fuel cost would be around $13.55.

Route 2: I-40 East & I-95 South

  1. Distance: About 111 miles
  2. Estimated Driving Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
  3. Route Description: This option involves taking I-40 East from Dunn, then merging onto I-95 South. Stay on I-95 until you reach Florence, SC.
  4. Gas Consumption: Again, using a vehicle that averages 25 mpg, you would consume approximately 4.44 gallons for this trip.
  5. Fuel Cost: At the average gas price of $3.20 per gallon, the fuel cost would be around $14.20.

Route 3: US-301 South

  1. Distance: About 100 miles
  2. Estimated Driving Time: 2 hours
  3. Route Description: Travel south on US-301 then connect with I-95 South. This route offers a more scenic drive through smaller towns and rural areas.
  4. Gas Consumption: For this route, you would again need about 4.00 gallons.
  5. Fuel Cost: At $3.20 per gallon, the estimated total would be $12.80.

Route 4: US-421 S & I-95 South

  1. Distance: About 102 miles
  2. Estimated Driving Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
  3. Route Description: Start by taking US-421 S, followed by a merge onto I-95 S toward Florence.
  4. Gas Consumption: Approximately 4.08 gallons would be required for this option.
  5. Fuel Cost: This would set you back about $13.01 at the current gas prices.

Cost Comparison of Routes

Based on the information provided, here is a brief cost breakdown for each route:

Route Distance (miles) Estimated Time Gallons Used Fuel Cost ($3.20/gal)
I-95 S via I-795 S 106 1 hr 45 mins 4.24 $13.55
I-40 E & I-95 S 111 1 hr 50 mins 4.44 $14.20
US-301 S 100 2 hr 4.00 $12.80
US-421 S & I-95 S 102 1 hr 55 mins 4.08 $13.01

After comparing all four routes, the most economical choice is Route 3: US-301 S. While it is not the fastest route, it offers lower fuel costs at approximately $12.80 and allows travelers to enjoy scenic views along the way. If you prioritize a balance of cost and driving experience, US-301 S stands out as the best option.

Conclusion

In summary, traveling from Dunn, North Carolina to Florence, South Carolina offers several route options, each with its own benefits and drawbacks regarding distance, time, and cost. The journey averages about 100 miles and can take anywhere from 1.5 to 2 hours to complete. The scenic US-301 route is the most cost-efficient option, providing an enjoyable travel experience at a fuel cost of about $12.80. Regardless of your chosen path, the journey promises to be an adventure worth taking.